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Winter can be a challenging time to observe wildlife in most parts of the nation, but here in Central Florida, this is the perfect season to see creatures you can only view at this time of year.
Recently, Canaveral National Seashore rangers were able to witness a North Atlantic Right Whale mother and calf cruising south in the Atlantic Ocean just offshore from Parking Lot #1 in the Apollo Beach district. Yes, the winter months bring whales to the Florida coastline and right whales -- in spite of being about the size of a school bus -- are often spotted just behind the breakers. You don’t even need binoculars!
There are also many different species of migratory birds making their way up the Eastern Seaboard from South America on the way to Arctic summer nesting grounds. Shorebirds may include such species as black-bellied plovers, red knots, as well as a variety of gulls, terns, black skimmers and ducks. Wilson’s plovers nest on the beaches of Canaveral National Seashore once the weather warms, but most of the other plover species head north as they pass through here from January through April.
A few years ago, a flock of American Flamingos got blown out of the Yucatan during a hurricane and they are still hanging around out on spoil islands in the Indian River Lagoon, so you may encounter them if you are out paddling in the lagoon. (Remember to keep your distance, which is enforced by law.)
Manatees may not be cavorting in Eddy Creek right now in Playalinda -- instead, heading south to warmer waters or west to freshwater natural springs, but don’t be surprised to see American alligators lounging on a sunny bank as you drive alongside tidal creeks in the park.
On a sunny day, you may still see gopher tortoises and armadillos nibbling and digging alongside roadways in Canaveral. You might also spot a stealthy bobcat or coyote slinking toward the cover of vegetation. And if you visit Scrub Ridge in the park, you may encounter the unmistakable gregarious Florida Scrub Jay – a colorful bird only found here in Florida.
Even on those chilly, breezy days that “don’t feel like Florida,” take advantage of this perfect time to climb to the top of Turtle Mound or to walk the trail at Castle Windy. The mosquitos seem to take a time out during the winter season, which makes exploration even more enjoyable.
Sure, most of us live in Florida because we don’t enjoy colder weather or frozen precipitation, but if you appreciate the great outdoors and the natural creatures that live or pass through the Sunshine State, you’ll have to agree that winter is the perfect time to go outside. As the Northern European saying goes, “There is no bad weather, only bad clothes.”
So, layer up, take your binoculars and head to Canaveral National Seashore. Now is the perfect season!
Lisa D. Mickey
President, Friends of Canaveral
Lisa D. Mickey is a Florida Master Naturalist / Florida Land Steward
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