Animals Around the World — Florida

Animals can be found around the world, in the wild, in captivity, and in our Art. This series will feature some of the animals that we have encountered in our travels around the world.

Florida is famous for its aquatic wildlife, especially the area that we know as the Everglades. Of course, the most prominent animals of the Everglades are the alligators, the mascot of the University of Florida. They are found throughout the state but are particularly abundant in Everglades National Park.

Alligators in Everglades NP

Alligators in Everglades NP

Many other types of reptiles are indigenous to Florida. We have run across many in our travels and in our walks along the many wildlife trails that are present here.

A Colorful Lizard

A Colorful Lizard

Larger lizards in the iguana family are also quite common in the wetland areas.

Green Iguana

Green Iguana

Numerous fresh water turtles grace the wetlands.

Freshwater Turtle

Freshwater Turtles

Salt water turtles are ever present along the coastline. Many actually nest on the beaches during the winters here. There are even several turtle rehab centers which nurse injured animals back to health and release.

Loggerhead Turtle

Loggerhead Turtle

Birds are perhaps the most impressive and most beautiful of the animals that call Florida home. Wading birds are probably the most elegant.

Egret

Great Egret

There are so many similar species that it is difficult to tell them apart.

Blue Heron

Blue Heron

Their habits are similar but often different. The birds below walk on top of the water plants looking for food.

Gallinule

Gallinule

Pelicans can be seen throughout the state, gliding along the water looking for schools of fish or perched in the harbors, resting.

Pelican

Pelican

Anhingas are diving birds that love to sun themselves, utilizing the ultraviolet rays of the sun to kill bacteria in the process.

Anhinga Sunning

Anhinga Sunning

Undersea life is ubiquitous here but hard for us to capture in photographs since we do not scuba dive. However, this moray eel was featured in an aquarium at Boca Raton.

Moray Eel

Moray Eel

We also were able to see rays gliding along at the same location.

Rays

Rays

 

 

 

 

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