Florida Fauna & Flora – Roseate Spoonbill One of Florida’s most unique and colorful birds is the roseate spoonbill. This species is the only spoonbill that is native to the Western Hemisphere. It has pink wings, long pink legs and a white neck and back. There is no color difference between males and […]
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Florida Fauna & Flora – Cane Toad Cane toads are native species from South America to southern Texas. The toads were introduced to Florida and have flourished as an invasive species. Also called a bufo, giant or marine toad, its body is reddish brown, dark brown, or gray. Some are uniform in color […]
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Florida Fauna & Flora – Alligator Snapping Turtle Alligator snapping turtles look like a holdover from prehistoric times when dinosaurs roamed the earth. You can find this unique reptile throughout the southeastern United States and as far north as Iowa. It is the largest species of fresh-water turtle. Alligator snapping turtles rarely […]
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Florida Fauna & Flora – Orange Blossom In 1909, the Florida State legislature chose the orange blossom as the state flower. Orange blossoms are the fragrant flowers that grace the millions of orange trees that are synonymous with Florida. Orange blossoms are found in perfume, French and Mediterranean cuisine, wedding bouquets and orange […]
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The Ocala National Forest is located in SECO Energy’s backyard. This national landmark was established in 1909 and is the southernmost forest in the United States. In the forest’s beautiful 383,000 acres, you’ll find over 600 lakes, rivers and streams, as well as trails, animals, recreation areas and outdoor activities. According to the U.S. […]
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Northern bobwhite quails are medium-sized birds with round bodies, short tails and short necks. Their plumage is reddish-brown with white and gray streaks. Bobwhites are named for their distinctive “bob-white” call. Bobwhite quails feed and roost in coveys of 8 to 25 birds. They forage on the ground for seeds, insects, fruits and plants. […]
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Florida Fauna & Flora – Eastern Coral Snake The extremely venomous eastern coral snake is found throughout Florida. Coral snakes should not be confused with the non-venomous scarlet king and scarlet snakes. These three snakes look similar but knowing the difference could save your life. Eastern coral snakes have wide black and […]
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Don’t forget a hurricane or disaster plan for your family pet. According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), take your pets with you if you decide to evacuate before a storm arrives. Service animals that meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements are usually welcome in general population shelters. You can […]
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Florida Fauna & Flora – Ruby-throated Hummingbird The most common hummingbird found in Florida is the ruby-throated hummingbird. You may also see black-chinned and rufous hummingbirds according to the University of Florida IFAS Extension. The ruby-throated hummingbird is also eastern North America’s only breeding hummingbird. Ruby-throated hummingbirds are tiny. They measure only […]
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The Florida state tree is the cabbage palm. You may know this palm as a sabal palm, sabal palmetto or cabbage palmetto. Cabbage palms are one of fifteen species of palmetto palms. South Carolina has also adopted the cabbage palm as its state tree. The cabbage palm appears in the background of Florida’s state […]
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