Nature Happenings

  • Project FeederWatch continues, www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw
  • Hummingbirds arrive. Be sure to have their feeders ready.
  • Goldfinches begin to molt into their brilliant yellow plumage.
  • Bluebirds are nesting. Be sure to have their houses ready, and begin monitoring them by the middle of the month (incubation 14 days; fledging in 18 days).
  • Cardinals, Carolina Chickadees, Crows and Blue Jays begin nesting.
  • Screech Owls are sitting on their eggs.
  • The Sandhill Crane spring migratory population peaks during the first or second week of the month.
  • Peak of Eastern Screech-Owl nesting.
  • Osprey begin nesting.
  • Barn Swallows arrive.
  • Tufted Titmice begin nesting at the end of the month.

From our Friends at UF IFAS
Birds

Migrating birds from Central and South America visit the state.

Mourning doves nest now through November.

Carolina wrens are nesting now.
Mangrove cuckoos return to the Keys.
Summer tanagers and great-crested flycatchers arrive to breed.
Swallow tailed kites return to south Florida wetlands. (They are here in North Florida Now!)
Listen for newly-returned chuck-will's-widows calling after sunset.
Plant columbine, coral bean, and other wildflowers to attract hummingbirds.
Wild turkey and quail begin breeding in central and north Florida.
Quail are breeding in many parts of the state

Mammals


Look for red foxes emerging from remote beaches.
Last chance to see manatee concentrations in the Caloosahatchee River this winter.
Striped skunks are fighting over mates - watch out!


Amphibians


Male frogs and toads move to ponds, streams, and ditches to breed during rainy nights

Reptiles


Snakes become active and move to favorite feeding areas


Fish


Gulf of Mexico Sturgeon spawn in the Suwannee River during the spring or early summer.
Largemouth bass spawning throughout central and north Florida
Redear sunfish begin bedding in central Florida
White bass run up the Ochlockonee River above Lake Talquin.

Plants & Trees


Chicksaw plum and crabapples bloom in north Florida
Bromeliads flower in south Florida