Two Seasons or Four in Florida

Welcome back, Snowbirds! Yep, there are a variety of people arriving from all around the country, coming to Marco Island and Naples for some relief from the winter chill up north and out west. Thank goodness for some warm air here!

It may only be a short stay of a week or two, or it could be respite from the cold for several months, but visitors are flocking here and doing so now. Many will stay here through Easter, then return home as the weather there welcomes a bit of warmth.

For many of those Florida guests there are four seasons where they reside: winter, spring, summer and fall. But for year-round residents of South Florida there are only two seasons: wet and dry. As summer and fall, the wet season, comes to an end, Florida is now approaching its dry season. Hurricanes and Tropical storms become non-existent and water levels begin to fall in the lakes and non-tidal waters of the southern region.

On December 9, 2021 I took a walk in the western Everglades with my wife and our dear friend, Stephanie. The water levels in the Fakahatchee Strand are still quite high, but noticeably lower from their peak of the rainy season. As we walked the Big Cypress Boardwalk the sounds of the wild came alive!

Bald Eagles nesting in a tree not too far from the walkway made their presence known as the male left the nest and perched on a high, deserted branch, scanning his hunting grounds for the next meal.

The yellow sign “recent bear activity” let us know that they were preparing for drier months. Although I have never personally seen a black bear in that area, I know folks that have, so caution needs to be a priority.

Wood Storks flying overhead were a sign that they, too, were looking for shallow fishing locations, preparing for the nesting and mating season.

Red Shouldered Hawks were on the hunt for a meal, while Pileated Woodpeckers could be heard calling in the distance and Belted Kingfishers lined above the shallows, also looking for lunch.

The ever-present Ospreys could also be heard. At this time of year, the males are back on the nest, sprucing the home for approval from the female. Ospreys will mate for life and return to the same nest each year.

Ospreys are raptors and excellent fishermen (and women). They can reach a standing height of 20 to 23 inches when fully grown and can sport a wingspan up to 72 inches wide. They have a white underside and head and a brown body that shows a black line across the eyes.

The female is slightly larger than the male since their bone structure is bigger in order to carry the eggs. Both male and female are excellent hunters. One of the keys to their success in catching fish is their claws, or talons.

The underside of the feet are covered with short spines which allow them better opportunities to grasp a slippery fish. Aerodynamically, they are able to turn a fish in line with its body by utilizing a reversible fourth toe. They will hover over the water then swoop down to grab a fish feet first, using the feet to grasp the prey and safely transport it to the nest.

Alligators are also in the area and you might see them along the water’s edges sunning themselves to keep warm. They are “ectothermic” and depend on both air and water temps to regulate their body heat. They are most active at about 82 degrees.

The other area wildlife, well, is too much to talk about in a single article but it is amazing! So, for those of you who could not make it away from your “winter,” we in Florida will take advantage to enjoy our “dry” season. 

If you are here for a while, take a walk on the wild side of Florida and enjoy the animal life of western ‘Glades…. it’s only 20 minutes from Marco!

For those who could not make it down here at this time…. put another coal on the fire…. you’ll probably need it! Stay warm!

Bob is the Head Naturalist of a dolphin survey team on board the Dolphin Explorer. He is also an owner of Wild Florida Ecotours at Port of the Islands, the “Gateway to the Everglades.” Bob is the author of two books and a regular speaker at area venues. Bob loves his wife very much!