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Tag: Florida Fauna and Flora

Florida Fauna & Flora – Red Fox

 

Florida Fauna & Flora – Red Fox

 

Red foxes are the size of a small dog and weigh 10 to 15 pounds. Not including their long, bushy tails, they measure about 2 feet long. Red foxes have red hair that varies from rust-colored to golden-red, white bellies, black ear tips and legs. Their hairy, red, bushy tails usually have a white tip.

 

This fox is primarily nocturnal, but you may find it feeding during the day. It is most active at dawn and dusk. Its diet includes rabbits, mice and rats. It may kill more than it can eat and bury the extra for a later meal.

 

Red fox pairs usually mate for life. Breeding takes place in late fall or winter, with gestation lasting 53 days. An average of 5 blind, helpless pups are born per litter that nurse for 2 months and live and learn from adults for about 6 months.

 

Red foxes are a naturalized but not native Florida animal. A naturalized animal has moved into an area and adapted, created a stable or expanding population, and does not require aid for survival or reproduction.

 

Fun Fauna Fact: Gray foxes are often confused with red foxes because much of their hair is red. Red foxes are found in fields and weedy pastures, while gray foxes are more often found in heavily wooded areas.

 

Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

 

Read the full November 2021 SECO News online.

Florida Fauna & Flora – Southeastern American Kestrel

 

Florida Fauna & Flora – Southeastern American Kestrel

 

A native Florida raptor, the southeastern American kestrel is the smallest falcon found in the United States. Its white face has black “tears” extending down from its eyes. Its brown back has black flecking, its belly is white and its tail is russet. The male’s wings have bluish-gray markings, while the female’s wings are a less colorful brown.

 

Kestrels’ raise up to four chicks per nesting season which is early spring to June. They nest in holes in dead trees or cavities made by pileated woodpecker. Their habitat includes open woodlands, sandhills and pine savannahs, but alternate habitats in residential areas are pastures and open fields. Nest boxes have become an essential artificial substitute.

 

Kestrels feed on insects and small mammals. They perch up high to find their prey and then fly in to catch a meal with their feet.

 

The southeastern American kestrel is listed on Florida’s Threatened Species List. Kestrels are threatened by the loss of habitat, pollutants and collisions with vehicles and aircraft.

 

Fun Fauna Fact: The kestrels found in May and June are southeastern American kestrels that live in Florida year-round. The northern American kestrel is a true Florida snowbird. This subspecies migrates here from September through April.

 

Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

 

Read the full October 2021 SECO News online.

 

SECO News, August 2021

 

Duncan’s Digest – Enroll in Surge Protection – Win a Generator

 

Dear Members,

 

The 2021 Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. The Colorado State University (CSU) Tropical Meteorology Project team released an updated forecast for this year’s hurricane season. This team of experts has maintained its prediction that the Atlantic basin will have above-average storm activity this year, and has increased its forecast of the number of named storms anticipated this season.

 

May 2018 SECO News Duncan's Digest

 

Tropical Storm Elsa affected our service area on Tuesday, July 6, and Wednesday, July 7. Elsa became the first named hurricane of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season on July 2 when it reached Category 1 strength. Elsa was downgraded to a tropical storm as it passed over Cuba and the Florida Straits. For a short while, the storm lingered west of Tampa Bay and strengthened into a hurricane once again. Ultimately Elsa lost intensity and made landfall in Taylor County as a tropical storm on July 7.

 

SECO prepared for the worst. We brought in over 100 contract line and vegetation crews to assist in restoration from Tropical Storm Elsa. Overnight on the 6th and 7th, our system fared exceptionally well as Elsa’s rain bands soaked our service area and brought tornado watches, warnings and wind. During this time, we experienced no large substation or feeder outages. I commend our employees and contractors who rallied to assist in the effort by restoring outages quickly while working safely.

 

Tropical Storm Elsa was the first test of this year’s hurricane season, and we passed with flying colors. But it may be the first of many. That’s why it’s best to be prepared. Not only do we have hurricane season to contend with, but Florida has afternoon summer thunderstorms as well. These storms occur almost daily and bring heavy rain and lightning that can lead to power surges entering your home from the electric line and through the meter.

 

Surges are powerful increases in voltage that can destroy your home’s appliances and electronics. The Surge MitiGator is SECO’s meter-based surge arrester. It is designed to take the bite out of a surge. The MitiGator helps prevent high voltage spikes and surges before they damage appliances and cause financial loss. SECO installs the Surge MitiGator at the meter and the product carries a 15-year warranty. The arrester at the meter is the first step in protection. Point-of-use surge devices should be installed for a home’s electronics and other appliances that run on electric service. Purchase these at your local big box or hardware store. Install as directed.

 

The Surge MitiGator is available for lease for only $5.95 plus tax per month with a $25 installation fee. If you choose to purchase the product, the price ranges from $349 to $399, and installation is always free.

 

Enroll in the Surge MitiGator program (lease or purchase) for a chance to win a portable generator. We’ll pick a winner in both August and September. Read Winners’ Circle on page 4 for the July winner. Members in a current lease or prior purchase are already eligible to win. To enroll in the Surge MitiGator program, visit the Surge MitiGator page and fill out the web form. You can also call us at (352) 793-3801 or email Customer Service.

 

Living in Florida, the potential for tropical storms and hurricanes is a fact of life. I urge you to prepare in advance for the possibility of widespread power outages if a major storm affects our service area. Prepare your emergency supplies before forecasters put Central Florida in the cone of probability. Have a backup source of power if you require electricity for life-sustaining medical equipment. SECO is StormReady – you should be too.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

SECO News August 2021 Advice From The Old Farmer's Almanac

Advice from The Old Farmer’s Almanac

 

Florida, with its copious sunshine and sub-tropical climate, provides the perfect environment for a backyard garden. The Old Farmer’s Almanac has advice for gardeners who love the hobby but have space, sun or other limitations. For small areas, use raised beds, vertical spaces or containers. A raised-bed garden can yield 10 times the amount as a same size in-ground garden. Another idea for small spaces is to use a trellis, cage or attach pots to fences. Short on sun? Most vegetables require 8 hours of sunlight to grow, but leafy greens grow well in partial shade. Garlic, peas, beets and radishes can grow in as little as 4 hours a day. If all else fails, use containers to grow your garden. Anything that will hold soil and has water drainage holes will work.

 

Turn to page 4 to read this month’s Florida Fauna & Flora to learn more about the resurrection fern.

 

 

SECO News August 2021 Energy Saving on a Budget

Energy Saving on a Budget

 

Improving your home’s energy efficiency doesn’t have to be expensive. While buying new ENERGY STAR appliances or upgrading your home’s HVAC will reduce your home’s energy consumption, these items carry a hefty price tag. The no-cost and low-cost energy-saving ideas listed below will help reduce your energy usage without breaking the bank.

 

No-cost Energy-Efficiency Ideas:

 

• Wash clothes in cold water.

 

• Use the air-dry cycle on your dishwasher.

 

• Hang laundry outside to dry.

 

• Use natural light during the day.

 

• Turn off lights when leaving a room.

 

• Ceiling fans cool people, not rooms. Turn off when the room is vacant.

 

• Turn off bathroom and kitchen ventilation fans. These bring warm outside air inside.

 

• Turn off electronics like computers, printers and monitors when not in use.

 

• In summer, grill or use appliances such as crock pots, air fryers or microwaves instead of your oven.

 

Low-cost Energy-Efficiency Ideas:

 

• Invest in LEDs.

 

• Replace all filters monthly or according to manufacturer’s instructions.

 

• Seal windows and doors with weatherstripping and/or caulk.

 

• Install window film to limit sunlight.

 

• Plant shade trees on the south, southwest and west sides of buildings for shade.

 

• Plant trees on the north and the west sides of buildings to block winds.

 

• Plant trees to shade driveways, sidewalks, patios and HVAC units.

 

• Use blinds or drapes during summer to limit sun exposure.

 

• Control outdoor lighting with a photocell or timer.

Want more energy-efficiency tips? Try our Home Energy Assessment — a complete online energy audit for your home. Submit your responses and email address to receive an email with energy-efficiency advice tailored to your home and lifestyle. To see the math behind your energy consumption, complete the Energy Estimator.

 

 

SECO News October 2020 Winner's Circle

Winners’ Circle

 

Engage with our virtual assistant Electra on the phone for a chance to win a $25 gift card. Winners who self-served using Electra are:

 

John Bost from Ocala

 

Felica Grost from Inverness

 

Mark Damann from Morriston

 

Christian Oliver from Tavares

 

The latest winner of a SECO Energy Level 2 EV Charger is Marc Crail from Mount Dora. To enter, text “EV” to (352) 320-4500 for a link to enter. Or click on the EV Charger Giveaway homepage banner. Visit our Electric Vehicles website section to learn more about the benefits of owning an EV.

 

Winners in our Go Green and Win: Paperless Billing and Bank Draft Incentive

 

Kinilei Shewell from Clermont is the winner of a $200 SECO Energy bill credit.

 

Jules Sigler from Ocala is the winner of a NEST thermostat.

 

Jan Browning from The Villages is the winner of an Amazon Echo Dot with Alexa.

 

Bryant Currier from The Villages is our first winner of a portable generator. We have two more to give away! For a chance to win, lease or purchase SECO’s Surge MitiGator product that protects your home’s appliances from damaging surges and spikes. To learn more or enroll, visit our Surge MitiGator page. Members in a current surge lease or prior purchase are automatically entered in the drawing to win.

 

Read the full August 2021 SECO News online.

Florida Fauna & Flora – Black Bear

 

Florida Fauna & Flora – Florida Black Bear

 

The largest land mammal in Florida and the only bear found in the state is the black bear. Males weigh 250 to 450 pounds, while females weigh 125 to 250 pounds. Females give birth to 1 to 5 cubs that are born blind and weigh only 8 to 15 ounces.

 

Black bears are a Florida conservation success. Florida’s bear population dropped to under 500 in the 1970s. In 1974, they were listed as Threatened and placed on the Endangered and Threatened Species List. With a population of over 4,000, bears were removed from the protected list in 2012.

 

Florida black bears are athletic – they run up to 35 mph, climb 100 feet up a tree in 30 seconds and are active swimmers. Black bears travel large areas of land to survive. A male’s home range is about 60 square miles, while females have a home range of about 15 miles.

 

Bears are most active at dusk and dawn, and are coming in closer contact with people. Read this month’s Advice from The Old Farmer’s Almanac on page 2 of SECO News to learn how to spot the signs of bear activity close to your home.

 

Fun Faun Fact: Florida black bears have a remarkable sense of smell. They can detect scents up to a mile away.

 

Source: Florida Wildlife Federation

 

Read the full July 2021 SECO News online.

Florida Fauna & Flora – Cane Toad

 

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 or could have darker markings.

 

Cane toads do not have ridges across their heads as seen on native southern toads. Cane toads are also much larger than native southern toads. They grow as large as nine inches, while southern toads grow to four inches.

 

Toads and frogs are often praised for their effective pest control abilities, but cane toads can be toxic or deadly to pets. They have enlarged glands behind their eyes which secrete bufotoxin as a form of defense against predators. Cane toad tadpoles are also poisonous if ingested.

 

Do not handle these toads without gloves and eye protection. Call ASPCA Pet Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or your veterinarian if you suspect your pet has come in contact with a cane toad or tadpole.

 

Fun Fauna Fact: Cane toads were brought to Florida to control pests in sugar can crops in the 1930s and 40s. Escaped toads and the pet trade in the 50s and 60s are likely responsible for today’s large population.

 

Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

 

Read the full March 2021 SECO News online.

Florida Fauna & Flora – Alligator Snapping Turtle

 

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 venture onto land. Females lay eggs on the ground then quickly return underwater. This carnivore has a tongue with a bright-red piece of flesh that resembles a worm. The species lays on the bottom of a riverbed or lake with its mouth open to lure fish directly into its mouth. This turtle can hold its breath underwater for 40 to 50 minutes.

 

These turtles are giant – males may weigh up to 200 pounds. Alligator snapping turtles have no predators in the wild. They are not on the endangered species list, but their numbers are dwindling because humans like to trap them for their distinctive shells and meat. Many states have bans on killing these turtles.

 

Fun Fauna Fact: Prey has a hard time hiding from alligator snapping turtles. They can taste substances secreted by prey in the water that alerts them when a tasty meal is hiding nearby.

 

Source: The National Wildlife Federation

 

Read the full February 2021 SECO News online.

Florida Fauna & Flora – Orange Blossom

 

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 blossom honey.

 

The citrus industry is Florida’s second-largest industry after tourism. Florida bottles as much as 90% of the nation’s orange juice. The industry is facing a possibly insurmountable challenge. Almost 90% of Florida’s orange groves are infected with the Huanglongbing (HLB) bacterium. This bacterium attacks orange tree roots and prevents the fruit from ripening. A small insect called a citrus psyllid spreads the bacterium from grove to grove.

 

Some of Florida’s juice making factories are closing their doors, fruit packing operations are downsizing and fruit picking jobs are drying up. But there is hope. Recently both the amount of fruit produced and sales have increased. The Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred is creating solutions to combat HLB. Measures include enhanced root grafts and select fertilizer schedules.

 

Fun Flora Fact: In 1493, Christopher Columbus brought orange trees to the new world. Ponce de Leon’s explorers planted the first Florida orange trees near St. Augustine in the mid-1500s.

 

Sources: www.VisitFlorida.com and www.WashingtonPost.com

 

Read the full January 2021 SECO News online.

Florida Fauna & Flora – Eastern Coral Snake

 

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 red bands separated by slender bands of yellow on their bodies. Remember the old saying, “If red touches yellow, kill a fellow.” Coral snakes grow to less than three feet in length. Its nose is black, and the head is narrow and unlike a pit viper’s triangular-shaped head. Coral snakes have short, fixed
fangs and a small mouth.

 

This snake spends much of its time in rotting logs, brush piles and decaying vegetation. It feeds on lizards, frogs, other snakes and small animals. Coral snakes are related to other deadly snakes including cobras, mambas and sea snakes. This snake does not strike – it chews into flesh to bite and release venom.

 

Coral snake bites to humans are rare – most bites happen when they’re stepped on or picked up. Nowadays with the availability of antivenin, coral snake bites are rarely fatal, but if bitten, seek medical treatment at once.

 

Read the full October 2020 SECO News online.

Florida Fauna & Flora – Hurricanes and Pets

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 also look locally for a pet-friendly shelter. Contact the shelter before you go to make sure there is availability for you and your pet. Pet-friendly hotels and motels are also an option. Check with your local Humane Society to find pet-friendly options.

 

If you’re staying home during the storm, don’t forget to add your pet’s food, medicine and essentials to your supply kit. Have enough pet supplies on hand to last at least seven days. Just as humans enjoy snacks when waiting out a storm, your pets do too! Stock up on some extra bones and treats to show your furry or feathered friends some love.
Bring your pets indoors before a storm arrives. Many pets who enjoy spending time outside become lost after a strong storm. Bring them indoors where they will be safe.

 

Read the full September 2020 SECO News online.

Florida Fauna & Flora – Eastern Spotted & Striped Skunks

Eastern spotted skunks and striped skunks are found in all areas of Florida except for the Keys. These common Florida skunks are the size of a housecat. They have black and white fur, small heads, short legs, bushy tails and most notably an ability to spray an oily, unpleasant-smelling musk (up to 15 feet) that is hard to ignore.

 

Female skunks give birth in the spring to a litter of four to seven kits. Around six weeks old, the kits learn to forage for food with their mother and remain with her for several months. They learn defensive strategies, the most effective being the aforementioned oily, musky spray that deters predators.

 

The skunk’s chief predator is the great horned owl although loss of habitat has drastically reduced the skunk population in recent years. Skunks are omnivores – their diet includes both animals and plants. They are usually active at night and are known to knock over trash cans and forage for food scraps.

 

Fun Fauna Fact: Like Pepé Le Pew there’s a lot to love about skunks (except the smell). The striped skunks’ diet is heavy on insects – about 70% – great for pest control.

 

Read the full May 2020 SECO News online.