18 minute read
The Great Outdoors
Our area abounds with natural beauty that beckons us to get outside and enjoy it. We’ve compiled a list of places to hike, birdwatch and just plain enjoy yourself outdoors. That’s followed by fun facts and information about some of the critters, large and small, that share this land we call home.
Hiking Trails....................................................................128
Lizards...............................................................................134
Local Birds......................................................................136 Wildlife
Bobcats.................................................................140
Alligators...............................................................142
Snakes...................................................................144
Feral Pigs...............................................................145
Invasive Species........................................................ 146
Wildlife Resources....................................................148
Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge
Hiking Trails
Blue Cypress Conservation Area State Road 60 and County Road 512 sjrwmd.com/lands/recreation/blue-cypress This 60,000-acre conservation area near Blue Cypress Lake is under the aegis of the St. Johns River Water Management District. It includes miles of levees that provide vantage points for viewing the open water, marshlands, cypress trees and native wildlife, including many species of birds. Captain Forster Hammock Preserve 8610 Jungle Trail, south of CR 510 ircgov.com This 110-acre preserve contains a short trail that offers a quick wilderness getaway in which you’re never very far from civilization. Birders are especially fond of this preserve during spring and fall songbird migrations.
E AV 66TH 510
E A V
H T 8 5
60
8TH ST
WABASSO BRIDGE Toni Robinson Waterfront Trail
Pine Island
Quay Dock Road Winter Beach Salt Marsh
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49TH ST
41ST ST INDIAN RIVER BLVD
A1A
Bee Gum Point
Bridgeview Property
Cove Island
BARBER BRIDGE
Priority Conservation Areas
Other Conservation Areas
First established in 1990 to save McKee Botanical Garden, the Indian River Land Trust (IRLT) protects the land that protects the Indian River Lagoon.
IRLT offers free conservation tours and miles of hiking trails throughout Indian River County.
For more information, visit www.irlt.org.
LOY BRIDGE
8TH ST
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D R 3 4 AVE H T 7 2 OLD DIXIE HWY
OSLO ROAD (9TH ST SW)
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Lagoon Greenway
A1A
Coastal Oaks Preserve
Oyster Bar Marsh
Toni Robinson Trail
Fort Drum Marsh Wildlife Conservation Area About 20 miles west of Vero Beach, 10 miles east of Yeehaw Junction; access south side of State Road 60 sjrwmd.com/lands/recreation/fort-drum-marsh This 20,000-acre property located at the southwestern corner of Indian River County offers some 5 miles of trails, including a boardwalk that traverses a hardwood swamp. This biologically diverse area also includes prairie and marshland as well as pine flatwoods.
Jungle Trail traillink.com /trail/historic-jungle-trail/ This 7.8-mile 1920s hard-packed sand road, now on the National Register of Historic Places, stretches from Old Winter Beach Road north to the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge.
Lagoon Greenway Accessed at the intersection of Indian River Boulevard and 8th Street Indian River Land Trust 772-794-0701 irlt.org This property comprises 187 acres, including 3 miles of trails for hiking, jogging or bicycling through oak hammocks, over wetlands and around a mangrove forest along the edge of the lagoon.
Jungle Trail
Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area 150 9th St. SE (Oslo Road) As soon as you enter this 298-acre wilderness, you forget you are less than a mile from a shopping center. Trails and boardwalks take you through mature coastal hammock, scrubby flatwoods and wetlands that are home to such native plants as wildflowers, wild coffee, myrsine, marlberry, firebrush, saw palmetto, cabbage palms and a wide variety of other species. The South Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area is located just across Oslo Road. Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge The entrance can be accessed off Highway A1A, 3.7 miles north of Wabasso Beach Road (CR 510) or from the south via Jungle Trail. Established in 1903 by an executive order of President Theodore Roosevelt, Pelican Island was the first national wildlife refuge in the United States. Visitors enjoy peaceful hiking trails, plentiful wildlife and an extraordinary view of the Pelican Island rookery in the Indian River Lagoon.
Donald MacDonald Campground
St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park 1000 Buffer Preserve Drive, Fellsmere 321-953-5005 floridastateparks.org With 22,000 acres of wilderness and 60 miles of trails, this state park is a local treasure. Habitats include long-leaf pine forests, grassland prairies, scrub cypress domes and swamps. Look for the rare Florida scrub jay and keep an eye out for bald eagles, gopher tortoises and a host of other native species. Even the elusive bobcat is known to make the preserve its home. Toni Robinson Waterfront Trail Accessed at U.S. Highway 1 and 79th Street Indian River Land Trust 772-794-0701 irlt.org A 1-mile trail encompasses open canopy scrub habitat, oak forest and an impoundment loop with a boardwalk through mangroves.
The Great Outdoors Staying Up On Our Lizards
On any given day in Vero Beach, we spot dozens of lizards darting to and fro. Traditionally, most of those lizards would have been anoles. In recent years, several nonnative lizard species have been on the rise in our area. Below are our most common lizards.
Brown Anole
In our area, the brown, or Cuban, anole is the most common lizard at this time, having gradually made its way north after being introduced to the U.S. a century ago. Like its green relative, the brown anole is about 7 inches long. The male of both species possesses a bright reddish-orange dewlap, or throat flap, that it puffs out to attract a mate or discourage territorial competition.
Mediterranean House Gecko
While anoles are seen on all sorts of surfaces, from trees to sidewalks, Mediterranean geckos dwell almost exclusively on walls. And, unlike anoles, these lizards are nocturnal. Having arrived in the U.S. most likely as stowaways on cargo ships, they have also been introduced via the pet trade. Their appearance can vary from a translucent grayish hue to shades of brown with spots, depending on their surroundings.
Northern CurlyTailed Lizard
This native of the Bahamas is relatively new to our area, and its range is spreading. With a length of 9 inches and a curled tail, these newcomers can be a bit more intimidating than the innocuous-looking anoles, but they are in fact harmless and are even popular as pets. Nevertheless, they are considered an invasive species because they are out-competing our anoles. The curly-tailed lizard will eat virtually anything, including human food and even smaller species of lizards.
Green Anole
Of the approximately 400 species of anoles, ranging from the Southeastern United States down to Paraguay, only one is native to the U.S.: the green anole. Due to its ability to change color from bright green to shades of brown, depending upon its mood, it is sometimes erroneously called a chameleon; but anoles are actually more closely related to iguanas. Green anoles, which grow to a length of about 7 inches, were plentiful in the Vero Beach area just a few decades ago, before they declined due to competition from the encroaching brown anoles. From a second-floor window, you may occasionally see green anoles in the treetops. They remain plentiful in other parts of Florida and other Southern states.
The Great Outdoors Feathered Friends
Coastal Florida is a paradise for bird enthusiasts both serious and casual. Large wading birds frequent our yards all year round, and colorful songbirds visit us in winter. The following are a few of our favorite winged residents.
Snowy Egret
Slightly larger than the cattle egret, the snowy egret is characterized by bright yellow feet and a black bill. This bird was once hunted extensively for its beautiful long, white breeding plumage, but populations have rebounded significantly.
Bald Eagle
When it comes to bald eagle populations, Florida takes a back seat only to Alaska. It is not at all uncommon to spot a bald eagle soaring over Indian River County. Though at first glance it is possible to mistake an osprey for a bald eagle, just keep a sharp eye out for the eagle’s pure-white head and hooked yellow bill.
Little Blue Heron
This methodical wading predator is larger than a cattle egret but much smaller than a great blue heron. Its feathers include slate blue, maroon and purplish hues.
White Ibis
The ubiquitous white ibis is seen in and near shallow water, often in yards, and usually in groups. Its long, curved, reddish-orange bill and similarly colored legs make it unmistakable. Its feathers are all white except for black wingtips that are visible only when the bird is in flight. Juveniles have patchy brown feathers, which serve as camouflage until the bird matures.
Cattle Egret
Though smaller than the great egret, the cattle egret is likewise all white, except for some buff-colored plumage during breeding season. Just under 2 feet in height, the cattle egret is seen in open fields and yards. Its name derives from its practice of hanging out around (or even on) grazing cattle, eating the insects they stir up.
Great Egret
There’s no mistaking the tall, graceful egret — a type of heron — with its long, slender neck, perfectly white feathers, black legs and straight yellow bill. The great egret exceeds 3 feet in height and possesses a wingspan of more than 4 feet. It is often spotted in or near shallow water, stalking fish slowly and intently. It also eats frogs and other small critters.
Great Blue Heron
Even taller than the great egret, and possessing a 6-foot wingspan, the great blue heron is an attention getter. But if you’re trying to photograph one, be sure to have a zoom lens, because if you get too close, this bird will fly off with an irritated squawk. Its hunting behavior is similar to that of its relative the great egret.
Osprey
This raptor, seen frequently in our area, feeds almost exclusively on fish, which it snatches from the water after a 30- to 100-foot dive and then carries off in its talons. Osprey nests are large and often built atop poles and dead trees, making them easy to spot.
The Great Outdoors Cormorant and Anhinga
These are the birds often seen with their wings outstretched, seemingly in an act of flamboyant sunbathing. In fact, these water birds possess less preen oil than other birds, so they frequently have occasion to dry their wings. Due to this shared behavior, it is easy to get these two birds mixed up. Perhaps the most noticeable distinguishing feature is that the cormorant’s bill is curved at the end, while the anhinga’s is straight.
Pelican
While brown pelicans can be spotted fishing or perching on docks at any time of year, the larger white pelican, whose wingspan can exceed 9 feet, is literally a snowbird, residing here in the winter. Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge offers a bird’s-eye view of the Pelican Island rookery in the Indian River Lagoon.
Sandhill Crane
There’s nothing like a sandhill crane. For one thing, it is 4 feet tall, with a wingspan exceeding 6 feet. Then there’s its red forehead and its tendency to stroll terrifyingly close to hightraffic areas and cross streets on foot, a perplexing habit for a bird. Finally, the sandhill crane’s rattling trumpet-like call is difficult to describe, but once heard, it is not soon forgotten.
Roseate Spoonbill
Without a doubt, this bright pink bird is a favorite of many residents and visitors alike. Its vibrant color comes from the crustaceans that make up most of its diet. The bill, with its wide, flat tip, almost calls to mind that of a platypus. Larger than a white ibis, the spoonbill can be seen foraging in shallow waters.
Pileated Woodpecker
With its impressive size, brilliant red crest and boisterous vocalizations, the pileated woodpecker is not easily overlooked. At 16 to 19 inches long, it is the largest woodpecker in North America and one of the largest in the world. While two similar but larger North American species are believed extinct, the pileated woodpecker is adaptable and enjoys a wide range. In the Southeastern United States, pileated woodpeckers are common year-round.
Wood Stork
The wood stork is larger than the great egret but slightly smaller than the great blue heron. Easily identifiable with its bald head and white feathers, it is an impressive bird, especially in flight. The only stork native to North America, the wood stork is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
The Great Florida Birding Trail
The Great Florida Birding & Wildlife Trail is not actually a contiguous trail; rather, it is a network of 510 prime birding and wildlife viewing locations totaling some 2,000 miles. It is a project of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the sites are marked with brown signs bearing the GFBWT’s swallowtailed kite logo. There are a dozen such sites in Indian River County.
KELLY ROGERS
Sebastian Inlet
The Great Outdoors Wildlife
Every region has its particular brand of wildlife. In Alaska you’ll want to steer clear of grizzly bears, in Maine you could run into a moose, and in New Mexico you might see a roadrunner run across the road. While engaging in outdoor activities here in Vero Beach, you’re likely to encounter plenty of wildlife — some wilder than others. We wouldn’t like to see anyone miss out on enjoying the outdoors due to misconceptions about Florida’s wildlife. So enjoy the information below, always maintain a healthy respect for all wildlife, and remember that most wild animals don’t want to interact with us any more than we want to tangle with them.
Bobcats
About twice the size of domestic cats, bobcats pose little threat to humans. They are plentiful but reclusive, spotted occasionally in wooded areas and even backyards. They hunt rabbits, rodents and other small animals, usually at dawn, dusk and nighttime. As with all wildlife, observe and admire the bobcat, but keep your distance, and it will most likely blend back into the wild.
Alligators
Alligators are plentiful in the Sunshine State, but living side-by-side with these scaly neighbors is not nearly as terrifying as you may think. Unprovoked gator attacks on humans are exceedingly rare. Nevertheless, alligators need to be taken seriously. As with most wildlife, if you leave them alone, they will generally leave you alone. Use good gator sense: Don’t swim in lakes or other inland bodies of water. Don’t let small children or pets wander at the edges of lakes or waterways, especially during the hours from dusk to dawn.
While alligators prefer fresh water, it is also possible to see them in the brackish waters of the Indian River Lagoon. Their bodies are not good at eliminating salt, but they are capable of spending several hours in salt water. If you want to observe alligators in their natural habitat, Blue Cypress Lake is a good place to do so. If you are canoeing or kayaking and see the trademark triangle of an alligator’s eyes and snout peeking above the waterline, watch carefully and you will probably see it duck under and resurface farther away from you. If you are walking near a lake and encounter a gator sunning itself at the water’s edge, keep your distance, and it will most likely slip into the water, where it feels most at home. And this probably goes without saying: It is illegal to feed or interfere with alligators in any way.
Eastern coral snake
Cottonmouth
Eastern diamondback rattlesnake
Dusky pygmy rattlesnake
Snakes
While Florida is home to some 46 species of native snakes, only six are venomous, and of those only four live in the southern part of the state. Snakes are a valuable part of our ecosystem, so if you see one in your yard, it is more likely a friend than a foe. Snakes will usually flee if not cornered. Most of us are more than happy to accord all snakes, venomous or not, a wide berth. But it can’t hurt to at least be aware of the venomous ones potentially found in our area:
The Eastern coral snake, though potentially dangerous, is actually shy and rarely seen. But a couple of non-venomous species mimic its red, black and yellow bands, though in different patterns. Several variations of a rhyming mnemonic help make the distinction: “Red touches yellow, kill a fellow; red touches black, venom lack.”
The cottonmouth, or water moccasin, is a thick-bodied snake that measures 30–48 inches. Eight non-venomous water snakes resemble this venomous species.
Two types of rattlesnakes are native to our area, though not frequently seen: The heavy-bodied Eastern diamondback rattlesnake, which measures 33–72 inches, can shake its tail to create a buzzing sound. The dusky pygmy rattlesnake is likewise thickbodied but much shorter at just 12–24 inches.
However, the snakes you are most likely to encounter are quite harmless. Most will bite only if they feel threatened, but otherwise are not aggressive.
The corn snake, also called the red rat snake, measures 30–48 inches and is colored in shades of red, orange and brown.
The North American racer, commonly called the black racer, is very common in our area. Its length is approximately 20–56 inches.
The common garter snake sports a blotched pattern with three yellowish stripes. It is usually less than 2 feet long but can grow larger.
Feral Pigs/Wild Hogs/Wild Boars
Known by several names, feral pigs are not native but have been in Florida for centuries. They are ubiquitous throughout the state and considered invasive due to the property damage they are capable of causing by their rooting and eating habits. Like most other animals, feral pigs prefer to avoid danger, but they can behave aggressively and can carry diseases, so keep your distance, especially if you see a sow with her adorable piglets. 145
The Great Outdoors Invasive Species
We can all help preserve our beautiful natural environment by reporting invasive plant and animal species when we observe them. Not all nonnative species are considered invasive, but when they compete with native flora and fauna, cause or have the potential to cause harm to humans or a negative environmental or economic impact, it’s time to step in and attempt to mitigate the damage.
IveGot1 is a smartphone app for reporting invasive species in Florida. It is available for both iPhone and Android and allows the user to submit a photograph of the creature in question. Its associated website, eddmaps. org, and hotline, 888-483-4681 (888-IVE-GOT1), can be used for the same purpose.
Invasive Animals & Plants
Burmese python cane toad
Cuban tree frog green iguana feral hog lionfish
muscovy duck rhesus macaque vervet monkey air potato Australian malaleuca
Brazilian pepper
cogon grass hydrilla Japanese climbing fern kudzu Green Iguana
In the case of a serious threat, such as a Burmese python, call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline: 888-404-3922.
The Great Outdoors Wildlife Resources
Whether you feel threatened by an animal or you come across an animal that appears orphaned or injured, the following resources will be helpful.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, baby animals are rarely actually orphaned, so it is best to leave them alone, even if they appear unattended. Animal parents may be out gathering food or observing their young outside your field of vision. FWC advises, “Do not pick up baby animals or remove them from their natural environment.”
If you encounter injured or orphaned wildlife, seek advice from the experts.
Indian River County Animal Control 772-226-4799
Vero Beach Police Department Animal Control Officer 772-978-4600
Florida Wildlife Hospital & Sanctuary 321-254-8843
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Wildlife Alert Hotline To report injured manatees, dolphins, sea turtles; wild animals that pose a threat to human health or safety; or wildlife law violations 888-404-3922 From a cell phone: *FWC or #FWC (depending on the service provider)
Nuisance alligator 866-392-4286
Indian River County Sheriff’s Office Agriculture and Marine Unit Loose livestock 772-569-6700
Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian River County Found domestic or feral animals, such as dogs, cats and horses; or to report animal neglect or abuse 772-388-3331 cruelty@hsvb.org
