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Rodney Barreto
Snowbirds migrating to Florida might be the most obvious signs of the onset of fall for some full-time residents of the state, but wildlife is also keenly reactive to the accompanying seasonal changes that include shorter days and cooler weather. We’ve written before about cold fronts and their effects on migratory birds, but almost all wildlife responds to fall seasonal changes, though sometimes in dissimilar fashion. So do people. As for birds, Neotropical migrants are setting up shop locally for the winter or fueling up for a longer trip to the Caribbean or South America. Local bird feeders are being visited by many species, and increased numbers of ducks, other migratory waterfowl and wading birds dot our large lakes, rivers, beaches and freshwater ponds and tidal marshes. As for birds of prey, northern harriers can be seen actively gliding over marsh areas, and Cooper’s hawks will be on the prowl for the new feeding opportunities brought on by the vast migration of smaller bird species into Florida. Eagles are engaged in spectacular aerial courtships, while their osprey cousins rebuild nests, high on a wide variety of naked perches close to their fishing sites. Not surprisingly, people react to these fall migrations too, by putting out backyard feeders to attract birds. But don’t be surprised if your backyard bird feeder creates an ambush point for birds of prey like Cooper’s hawks. That’s Mother Nature — sort of. Bird feeders also can create health problems for migrating birds, so don’t forget to clean your bird feeders regularly with a 10-percent solution of chlorine bleach to help prevent the spread of disease. We owe it to these tiny migrating birds, some having survived a grueling 2,000-mile journey punctuated by bad weather and other life-threatening issues, not to let them become victims of reckless human kindness by feeding them in unsanitary conditions. To top off the aerobatic bird festival, majestic sandhill cranes and white pelicans add to the variety of air show performers taking up winter residence. Remember, there are good reasons not to feed either of these species, neither of which benefit from the practice. Deliberately feeding pelicans at fish-cleaning stations is illegal. Feeding sandhill cranes anywhere is illegal. As for reptiles, including native snakes, alligators, turtles and a variety of other cold-blooded animals, the season for high activity is winding down. Just don’t forget that though the metabolic rates of cold-blooded animals decrease with temperature, alligators are still capable of acting as apex predators, and all cautions in the FWC’s “Living With Alligators” brochure, need to be observed with due respect. On the other hand, mammals are quite active during the fall, and that includes the Florida black bear. Although black bears don’t hibernate in Florida, they prepare for it by entering a period of activity in the fall, called hyperphagia. Hyperphagia is a behavior in all black bears that causes them to feed at twice the normal daily rate they need to maintain themselves. This behavior is likely the result of a gene that causes bears to put on weight in preparation for a hibernation period that in Florida, never comes. Here, the caution to residents living in bear country is to secure all trash and pet food in places and in ways that cannot attract a bear. Appreciating wildlife from a distance beats appreciating it from inside your lanai or garage, especially if it’s a bear. Deer, hogs and squirrels are feeding actively, and of course, that signals the onset of hunting season. Hunters were the first conservationists, and like all conservationists, hunters have a vested interest in seeing that all wildlife, whether it is hunted or not, continues to proliferate. Obeying the letter and the intent of the law, and insisting your hunting partners do the same, is a great starting place from which to build an appreciation of all wildlife. Be you a snowbird, bird watcher, hunter, all around nature lover, pet owner or just somebody who appreciates living in the Sunshine State, fall is a time of thanksgiving and of wildlife. Enjoy!
