The Lazy Naturalist

The Re-Enchantment of Nature - Sarasota, Florida

Flora & Fauna

    Golden Polypody Fern (Phlebodium aureum)

    This lush, evergreen fern, with its vibrant golden fronds and unique growth habits, is a true gem of Florida’s woodlands and swamps. Its elegant appearance and fascinating ecological role make it a favorite among botanists and nature enthusiasts alike. From its distinctive physical characteristics to its crucial role in Florida’s ecosystems, the Golden Polypody Fern […]

    Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus)

    The Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) is a small songbird that, at first glance, doesn’t seem to fit the typical mold of a Florida resident. With its distinctive black and white plumage, golden nape, and unique “bubbling” song, the Bobolink is more commonly associated with the lush meadows and prairies of the Midwest and Northeast. Yet, every […]

    Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus)

    As a Florida certified master naturalist, I’ve had the privilege of observing and studying the magnificent Swallow-tailed kite for many years. This truly remarkable bird is one of the true gems of the Sunshine State’s diverse avian population. With its striking black and white plumage, deeply forked tail, and effortless aerial maneuvers, the Swallow-tailed kite […]

    Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis)

    The Sandhill Crane is a large, statuesque bird, standing nearly four feet tall with a wingspan that can exceed six feet. Their grayish plumage, often tinged with a rusty hue from preening with iron-rich mud, is complemented by a striking red crown and a long, slender neck. These cranes possess an air of grace and […]

    Wood Stork (Mycteria americana)

    There are birds that announce themselves with song, birds that dazzle with color, and birds that move through the world like quiet auditors, taking careful stock of conditions before rendering judgment. The wood stork belongs firmly in the last category. It is not a bird of melody or flamboyance. It is a bird of thresholds—of […]

    Limpkin (Aramus guarauna)

    Haven’t seen a limpkin? Surely you’ve heard her…In the middle of the day, she cries bloody murder! The Limpkin (Aramus guarauna) is a bird that weaves an enchanting tale of natural history and cultural significance. With its haunting call, distinctive appearance, and unique behaviors, the Limpkin stands out as a symbol of the delicate interplay […]

    Boat-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus major)

    If you spend any amount of time in Florida with your eyes open and your ears unguarded, you will eventually encounter the boat-tailed grackle. You may first notice it as a sound rather than a sight—a metallic skree, a liquid creak, or what can only be described as a rusty gate being opened by a […]

    Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)

    If Florida had an official sound of wetlands—something you’d hear before you even saw the water—it would be the voice of the red-winged blackbird. That liquid, emphatic konk-la-ree! pours out of cattails, fence posts, sawgrass, and roadside ditches with such insistence that it feels less like birdsong and more like an announcement. A proclamation. A […]

    Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)

    If you spend enough mornings wandering Florida’s edges—causeways at dawn, mangrove shorelines at low tide, the quiet backwaters of a river just lifting its veil of fog—you will eventually encounter the double-crested cormorant. You may not notice it at first as special. It is not showy like a roseate spoonbill or theatrically elegant like a […]

    Julia Butterfly (Dryas iulia)

    With its bright orange wings and graceful flight, this butterfly brings a touch of tropical flair to the Sunshine State. From the coastal hammocks to urban gardens, the Julia Butterfly captivates observers with its beauty and fascinating behavior. Let’s take a closer look at the life, habits, and significance of this dazzling butterfly, a true […]

    Cardinal Airplant (Tillandsia fasciculata)

    This striking epiphyte, with its vibrant inflorescence and intricate growth patterns, is a captivating presence in the Sunshine State’s diverse landscapes. Found adorning tree branches and trunks, the Cardinal Airplant is a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of nature. From its vivid appearance to its crucial ecological roles, this airplant is a fascinating subject […]

    Star Jasmine (Jasminum multiflorum)

    Introduction Star Jasmine (Jasminum multiflorum), known for its star-shaped flowers and intoxicating fragrance, holds a special place in gardens and hearts worldwide. This evergreen vine, native to Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent, has become a beloved ornamental plant in many parts of the world, including Florida. Its delicate beauty and heady scent have made […]

    Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

    Common in Florida and all up and down the US east coast, the red maple (or swamp maple) will remind northern transplants of their precious fall colors. If you miss maple trees while you’re in Florida — here’s your answer! Florida’s Red Maple: A Naturalist’s Delight Introduction Greetings, nature enthusiasts! Today, we embark on an […]

    Southern Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera)

    This plant is very common in the dry prairie, and its crushed leaves have a distinct pleasant aroma. As a naturalist, the privilege of wandering through Florida’s diverse landscapes reveals endless wonders, each with its own story to tell. Among the many remarkable plants that grace this region, the Southern Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera) stands […]

    Dogfennel (Eupatorium capillifolium)

    Very common around Sarasota, particularly in disturbed areas like roadsides and trails. Take a small piece — crush and sniff — for a unique aroma, somewhat like dill.

    Florida panther (P. c. couguar)

    Greetings, fellow nature aficionados! Buckle up, because we’re about to embark on an adventure through the wild heart of Florida to get acquainted with one of its most fascinating inhabitants: the Florida Panther. This magnificent big cat is the ultimate blend of stealth, beauty, and raw power, and it’s got a story that’s as thrilling […]

    Goldenrod (Solidago)

    In the right season, you’ll see goldenrod crying out yellow all over the place, and it certainly helps that there are well over a hundred species around. I see goldenrod in Florida and in New England, and everywhere between, I can’t pretend to say which species I’m looking at it any given time — but […]