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Florida Sandhill Crane. Florida sandhill cranes inhabit freshwater marshes, prairies, and pastures (Florida Natural Areas Inventory 2001). They occur throughout peninsular Florida north to the Okefenokee Swamp in southern Georgia; however, they are less common at the northernmost and southernmost portions of this range. Florida’s Kissimmee and Desoto prairie regions are home to the state’s most abundant populations (Meine and Archibald 1996). MyFWC
The brown pelican is a large bird that can weigh up to 11 pounds and have a wingspan of up to 7 feet.
Florida Scrub Jay ~ Aphelocoma coerulescens~ Bold, blue-and-gray jay of oak scrub in central Florida. Juveniles have browner head and back than adults. Lacks crest and patterning on the wings and tail seen on Blue Jay. Very social, staying in close family groups to raise young. Readily hops on the ground while searching for food. Unique scrubby habitat must burn periodically in order to remain appropriate for Florida Scrub-Jays. Classified as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. eBird.org
An entertaining heron to watch—known for sprinting, jumping, and spinning around in shallow water with its wings held up. Dark morph is more common than white morph. Adults are dark gray with a rusty head and neck. Immatures are paler grayish and rusty overall. In breeding plumage, the pink bill and blue lores can become shockingly bright. White morphs are similar to other egrets, but note behavior, grayish legs, and pink bill base (adults). Found exclusively near the coast, especially on mudflats. Typically uncommon, usually seen singly or in scattered small numbers. Dark morph most easily confused with Little Blue Heron, but Reddish Egret is larger and forages much more actively. eBird.org
The reddish egret is a wading bird native to the coastal areas of the Americas. It can be found in a variety of habitats, including saltwater and freshwater marshes, mudflats, lagoons, and mangrove forests. It is most commonly found in the southern and eastern United States, particularly along the Gulf Coast, as well as in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. It is a solitary bird that is usually seen alone or in small groups, and it is known for its active and energetic feeding behavior.