Wildlife in South Florida Gardens: A Tapestry of Native and Introduced Species
The condominium and apartment blocks of Boynton Beach, located in Palm Beach County, Florida, are a far cry from the biodiverse coastal sand dunes that they were built on. But are none the less an interesting place to stay and explore.
Human influence has only been in effect here for 125 years and has built the Atlantic Avenue, Intercoastal Canal and Flagler's railroad together just inland, and there is a narrow strip of modern development around these links.
Florida is famous for its Everglades - lush primeval swamp and wetland that supports a massive ecosystem in its own right (locally to Boynton, the Everglades start at the nearby Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge).
But what is left of the once pristine intercoastal environment and the native wildlife? Is it a suburban jungle that stretches all the way up the coast, or a carefully manicured Garden of Eden? Using one of the spacious apartment blocks we are visiting this week as an example, gives a surprising insight...
Spring Break
Its Spring here already, and Florida has burst into life and there is a microcosm of the region's rich biodiversity right here on the doorstep. The sunny gardens that surround the property host an array of wildlife, offering glimpses into the vibrant life that still thrives in Florida, and it's fun just to sit and wait to see what turns up.
Native Birds and Animals
The gardens here are alive with birds and animals that can be found right across the America's. Among these, the real surprise is the visiting ruby-throated hummingbird, a marvel of ultra long migrations. Each year, these tiny birds embark on a monumental journey from Central America in spurts of up to 2000km, crossing the Gulf of Mexico to reach South Florida, where they feed on the nectar of native flowers to refuel on their journey North. Their presence is a testament to the garden's role in supporting migratory species.
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Ruby-throated_Hummingbird/photo-gallery/404922
Other interesting species include...
A Passel of Possums: The opossum, or more commonly possum, is North America's only marsupial. These nocturnal creatures are often found rummaging through gardens at night, searching for fruits, insects, and small rodents. Possums play a crucial role in controlling insect populations and cleaning up carrion. Despite their sometimes undeserved reputation, possums are shy and harmless to humans, and their presence is beneficial to garden ecosystems. They have sharp, stark white faces with a badger sized body and look ready for trouble. There is one here that hangs out in the old fig tree in the complex, and it was a privilege to see it bimbling around the other night.
A Wake of Vultures: To Yorkshire eyes these are a sight and a half; Circling the skies on their 6 foot wingspan, turkey vultures are a common sight above South Florida. There are a lot here this spring and form large swirling flocks known as a kettle of vultures. When you see vultures at rest in a tree or on a fence post, that’s a committee...and since vultures feed mainly on dead animals, when you see a group feeding, you’re in the presence of a wake of vultures. They have distinctive black cruciform plumage with white wings and a red head and wattle, and are impressive to watch especially when swooping low to the ground.
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| Opossums, Herons and oh look a Boggart too |
A College of Egrets, and a Wedge of Ibis: Working the day shift are the small white egrets and white Ibis; Egrets are easily recognisable with their brilliant white feathers and distinctive crest of feathers at the back of the head, Ibis are the same size but have long down turned red bills. Flocks of these sociable birds can be seen foraging on the lawns, using their bills to probe the soil for insects and worms. Although the grass on the lawn is the drought resistant, sandy/salt friendly variety it seems to support a lot of large birds. It's also mildly ironic that similar egrets can also be spotted at Rodley Nature Reserve, but I suppose thats an indication of successful conservation.
Tequila Mockingbird: The northern mockingbird, Florida's state bird, is renowned for its musical abilities. These birds can mimic the songs of other bird species, as well as a variety of sounds from their environment (amusingly I can hear them making human whistling noises as I type this). Northern mockingbirds are fiercely territorial, and are always darting and diving between the bushes. Their diet is diverse, including insects, berries, and seeds, so there is plenty on offer for them here (including bird feeders). Its a joy to sit and listen to their frequent bursts of lyrical song:
Herding the Manatees: As many Florida gardens have a canal bank it is also possible to spot one of Florida's more enigmatic creatures - the Manatee. Related to the ocean going Dugong, Manatee's are slow moving herbivores that prefer warm water and plenty of sea grass. They have no natural predators in the lagoons and creeks where they dwell, but many bare the scars of speedboat collisions. The nearby Intercostal Canal has strict speed limits and closed off areas to help give the slow vulnerable manatees a chance.
The weird world of the manatee: Their closest land relative is the elephant. They only have six neck vertebrae so their heads can only move up and down, and they have to roll on their side to see anything else. Manatee mothers have to guide new born calves to the surface for them to take their first breath, and they suckle from a nipple in each armpit behind the front flippers. They can get stuck floating on the surface when they are constipated...Sociable animals that migrate between warm spots (above 20°C) in the inland creeks and springs and can cope with fresh and salt water, they have been spotted as far north as Rhode Island! There are three distinct species - the West Indian, African and Amazonian, with two sub species here; the Florida and Antillean. They are both considered native to Florida.
Missing from the Party: The larger mammals such as the Black Bear, Florida Panther, Bobcat and Coyote have been the big losers in the coastal real estate developments. They still cling on in some of the wildlife reservations, and only have strength in numbers deeper in the Glades. The Florida Panther is now critically endangered and it will be a challenge to preserve enough wild space to give them a future. PS the alligators are doing just fine, as are the local deer.
Introduced Species and Their Impact
While native species have evolved over millennia to fit into the South Florida ecosystem, introduced species can disrupt these finely balanced systems (especially humans). The green iguana is a prime example of how badly things can go wrong. Originally from Central and South America, iguanas have thrived in South Florida's warm climate. However, their success comes at a cost to the environment. Iguanas compete with native wildlife for food and habitat, and their burrowing habits can damage infrastructure and cause soil erosion, leading to negative impacts for everyone. They are both beautiful and blindingly fast - I wouldnt like to try and catch one, although there is a good living to be made from professional iguana removal.
Ever met a Lounge Lizard? A group of lizards is called a 'lounge'. Everywhere you look here you will see lounges of Northern curly-tailed lizards, a species native to Cuba, Bahama and Cayman Islands. It was introduced intentionally in Palm Beach, Florida, in the 1940s in an attempt to control sugar cane pests. Despite the massive levels of predation on these small guys they are everywhere, and sadly prey on the smaller native sand lizards...but seem to form a cornerstone in the diet of many of the birds including the American Kestrel.
The Delicate Balance
South Florida has more non-native species across all taxonomic groups than any other continental region in the world - most of these animals have arrived as the result of the pet industry. The introduction of non-native species to South Florida has created new challenges for conservationists and gardeners alike. Efforts to control invasive species, such as community-based iguana management programs and python removal initiatives, are crucial in preserving the native balance and ensuring that gardens continue to be a haven for wildlife. The human built green spaces east of the Everglades are more than just enhancements for expensive real estate; they are vibrant ecosystems teeming with life. The delicate balance of nature is constantly being negotiated here - and it is up to us to ensure nature gets a fair chance. Through responsible gardening practices and support for conservation efforts, residents and visitors can help maintain the ecological integrity of South Florida, ensuring that it remains a sanctuary for both native and migratory species.
Hopes for the future
Whilst progress and change is inexorable, there is always a need to study and appreciate these amazing local creatures, so we can foster a deeper connection with their natural world and contribute to its preservation. Some of the Florida Conservation Projects that are worth supporting:
https://marinelife.org/
https://www.buschwildlife.org/
https://discover.pbcgov.org/waterutilities/Pages/default.aspx
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/arthur-r-marshall-loxahatchee/
https://myfwc.com/
Absolutely fantastic work 🥰
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