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Nesting Season: These turtles nest on South Florida coastlines from March through October. Beaches are carefully patrolled to safeguard nests and hatchlings. floridastateparks.org Southern Living Conservation Highlights: 2023 was a landmark year, setting nesting records: ~71,000 loggerhead nests and over 61,000 green turtle nests across major beaches.
Appearance: Known for its bubblegum-pink plumage and spoon-shaped bill, this wading bird stands roughly 2.5 feet tall and spreads its wings to about 4 feet. The pink hue comes from carotenoids in their crustacean-rich diet. Smithsonian's National Zoo myfwc.com npbcid.org Audubon Habitat & Feeding: Found in South Florida's marshes and mangroves, they feed by sweeping their bill through mud or shallow water, snapping up small fish, shrimp, and crustaceans. Smithsonian's National Zoo National Park Service Conservation: Once nearly hunted to extinction for their feathers, protections have helped their numbers rebound. Still, habitat loss and climate conditions pose ongoing risks
Habitat & Behavior: These playful and intelligent mammals frequently swim near the South Florida coast, delighting visitors with bow-riding and occasional breaching. Typically seen on boat tours, they add excitement to any marine outing. Fun Fact: They can reach lengths of up to 13 feet and can weigh around 1,400 pounds.
