It's feeding time for the SNC's resident Great Blue Heron. Their long, sharp beaks are perfect for fishing. And these guys will flip fish vertically in their mouths so they go down easier.
Our Great Blue Heron was doing some feather cleaning this morning. Look at how long that neck is! The long neck and beak of the Heron was adapted to fishing for prey. This tall birds are excellent at wading through the water and make quite an impressive sight in flight.
“ Great Blue Herons aren’t likely to visit a typical backyard. However, they are sometimes unwelcome visitors to yards that include fish ponds. A length of drain pipe placed in the pond can provide fish with a place to hide from feeding herons. Herons, like most of our birds, are legally protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.” -The Cornell Lab https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Great_Blue_Heron/overview
This European Starling is a permanent resident at the Sawgrass Nature Center due to their Exotic status in South Florida. This Starling was surrendered to the SNC after a previous owner was no longer able to care for them. Come visit our starling in our walk-through aviary, located between our Wildlife Hospital and our Admin building.
“ First brought to North America by Shakespeare enthusiasts in the nineteenth century, European Starlings are now among the continent’s most numerous songbirds. They are stocky black birds with short tails, triangular wings, and long, pointed bills. Though they’re sometimes resented for their abundance and aggressiveness, they’re still dazzling birds when you get a good look. Covered in white spots during winter, they turn dark and glossy in summer. For much of the year, they wheel through the sky and mob lawns in big, noisy flocks. “ -The Cornell Lab https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/European_Starling/overview
The Sawgrass Nature Center is home to an aviary of recovering and permanent winged residents. This blue jay is one of the many that are to be soon as you walk through the surrounding enclosure.
This is one of our resident parrots, Fred. Fred and his partner in crime, Alice, were surrendered upon the death of their owner to the Sawgrass Nature Center. In captivity, this particular species of parrot can live up to 80 years.
Great Horned Owls are native to the Americas, with a preference for deciduous, coniferous, forest, and desert habitats. They are carnivores with a diet that includes small mammals, reptiles, and even other owls!
Fun fact: When clenched, a Great Horned Owl’s strong talons require a force of 28 pounds to open.
Our resident owl is with us due to a permanent wing injury that prohibits them from ever flying properly again.
Our resident turkey vulture is a little cheeky. Notice how he poops whenever he sees our caretakers. It’s almost like he knows we’re coming to clean up the place!
Our resident Green Heron, named Goblin, is a little protective. He likes to patrol his territory any time our rehabbers get close. Like all herons, the Green Heron has a long neck. What’s unique about these guys is that they like to keep them pulled close to their chest unless they are hunting, or feel threatened.
Heron are considered aquatic birds. That means they have special adaptations for hunting in and living near freshwater, like the Everglades. Their long necks and pointed beaks make them great fishers.
SNC's resident Yellow-Naped Amazon Parrots were domesticated pets that were donated to us upon their owner's death. While in the wild their life expectancy is about 20-30 years, but in captivity that increases to 60-80 years. Talk about a life long companion!
The Yellow-Naped Amazon Parrots are one of the most intelligent species of parrots. They can typically be found along the Pacific Coast through Mexico and Costa Rica. Two of their main stressors are deforestation and illegal removal of young for the pet trade.
Our resident vulture is a very curious bird. Vultures are one of Florida’s natural scavengers. That means they feast on the remains of dead animals. These guys are an important part of the life cycle and without them, Florida would be a much grosser place.