Flora & Fauna

Rough Horsetail (Equisetum hyemale)

These look like tiny bamboo tree trunks, and I’ve seen them infrequently, but up and down the US east coast, as well as in Florida. Like ferns, they reproduce with spores instead of seeds.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)

Red foxes live throughout North America (including Florida!) and I continue to be thrilled every time I see one. In addition to being amazing creatures in their own right, they have a great history with humans in myth and story.

Common Snook (Centropomus undecimalis)

This sleek, powerful fish is a favorite among anglers and an integral part of Florida’s vibrant marine ecosystems. From its striking appearance and fascinating behavior to its role in both ecology and culture, the Common Snook is a true icon of Florida’s coastal waters. Let’s dive into the life, habits, and significance of this remarkable […]

Firefly (Lampyridae)

It’s hard to think of anything that captured my imagination as a child more than fireflies, and summer nights in Maryland were filled with the flashing lights of these remarkable insects. I hadn’t seen or thought about them for years, but now in Goshen, Connecticut, I am again lucky to see them crowd the darkness.

American Avocet (Recurvirostra americana)

These birds are becoming increasingly common in Myakka River State Park, particularly at Deep Hole.

Narrow-leaved Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium)

When these start blooming in March, I start looking for the Irises typically nearby — the blue season has begun!

Savanna Iris (Iris savannarum)

March is a great time to spot these in wet ditches by the side of the road.

Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus)

There are Carolina Wrens all over Sarasota, and if you can’t see them, you can hear them. They are relatively tame, and tend to fly into houses to check things out more than any other bird.

Blue Crab (Callinectes sapidus)

I don’t often see blue crabs around Sarasota Bay, but I made a video of one in the tidal pond at Selby Gardens.

American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)

Beautyberry is very common and easily identified by the unique berry color.

Black-bellied whistling duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis)

You’ll often hear whistling ducks in the trees at night, and flying around at certain times a day. Once you become familiar with the whistle, you’ll be able to spot them easily.

Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)

Buttonbushes are very common around Sarasota, blooming in the warmer months. A truly remarkable flower!

Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens)

We don’t see these often around Sarasota, but keep an eye out further south along the barrier islands.

Great Southern White Butterfly (Ascia monuste)

This elegant butterfly, with its pristine white wings and striking blue-tipped antennae, is a common yet captivating presence in the Sunshine State. From coastal dunes to backyard gardens, the Great Southern White is a testament to the beauty and resilience of Florida’s ecosystems. Let’s embark on a journey through the life, habits, and ecological significance […]

Giant Swallowtail Butterfly (Papilio cresphontes)

This magnificent butterfly, the largest in North America, graces our gardens, woodlands, and citrus groves with its striking beauty and mesmerizing flight. From its impressive size and vibrant markings to its fascinating life cycle and ecological importance, the Giant Swallowtail Butterfly is a true emblem of Florida’s rich biodiversity. Let’s embark on a journey to […]

Bristly thistle (Cirsium horridulum)

Ballmoss (Tillandsia recurvata)

Despite its name, Ballmoss is neither a true moss nor a parasite, but an epiphyte—a plant that grows on other plants for physical support without drawing nutrients from its host. Found throughout the southeastern United States and thriving in Florida’s diverse climates, Ballmoss is a fascinating example of nature’s adaptability and complexity. A Curious Appearance […]

Streaked Rattlepod (Crotalaria pallida)

Been seeing these around a lot lately(March).

Zebra Swallowtail Butterfly (Protographium marcellus)

With its bold black-and-white stripes and elegant tail streamers, this butterfly is a dazzling spectacle in the wild. The Zebra Swallowtail’s unique appearance and fascinating behavior make it a beloved and captivating presence in Florida’s forests, gardens, and wetlands. Let’s embark on an exploration of the life, habits, and significance of this striking butterfly, a […]