Red-Shouldered Hawks in Florida: A Familiar Forest Raptor

I was driving home on Ocean Blvd. in Atlantic Beach and spotted two very majestic-looking birds on a street sign. I later learned they were red-shouldered hawks, are the most common raptors in the state. If you spend time near wetlands, wooded neighborhoods, or forest edges in Florida, you might have heard the sharp, ringing … Continue reading Red-Shouldered Hawks in Florida: A Familiar Forest Raptor

Attracting Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds to Your Yard in North Florida

I love looking out my window and spotting a blur of green and red zipping around my plants. Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds are common in North Florida, and there are some things you can do to attract these charming little bundles of energy to your yard. Here’s everything you need to know about spotting them, attracting them, … Continue reading Attracting Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds to Your Yard in North Florida

The Day I Found a Katydid in My Kitchen

I saw a very large brown mystery bug in my kitchen, and it turned out to be a katydid! Specifically, a Brown Conehead Katydid. Apparently, these are nocturnal creatures, so seeing one in the middle of the day, inside my house was out of the ordinary. I didn't recognize it right away because it was … Continue reading The Day I Found a Katydid in My Kitchen

What is that Giant Brown Moth?

I saw what looked like a small bird flapping on the outdoor table, and on closer inspection, discovered it was a giant brown moth with two black circles on its back like eyes. A quick Google search let me know this was a Polyphemus moth (Antheraea polyphemus) and it is one of the largest moths … Continue reading What is that Giant Brown Moth?

Barred Owls in Our Florida Neighborhood

I had never seen Barred Owls in my yard until moving to Atlantic Beach, FL, where our neighborhood has a beautiful, lush canopy of large Live Oak trees. In the evenings we can hear them hooting and making some rather strange noises to communicate with each other. Characteristics of the Barred Owl The Barred Owl … Continue reading Barred Owls in Our Florida Neighborhood