Brown Pelicans hanging out at the dock. Their large beaks with large pouches enable them to catch and swallow large fish whole. Usually, you will see them flying over water spotting for a school of fish.
Brown pelicans have a dramatic and efficient way of catching fish. They are the only species of pelican that hunt by plunge-diving. Here's how they do it:
Spotting Prey – While flying 30 to 60 feet (9 to 18 meters) above the water, brown pelicans use their keen eyesight to locate fish swimming below.
Plunge-Diving – Once they spot a target, they tuck their wings back and dive headfirst into the water at high speeds, often at a slight angle to reduce impact.
Mouth Expansion – Just before hitting the water, they open their large bills wide. Their throat pouch expands like a net, trapping fish along with a large amount of water.
Draining Water – After surfacing, they tilt their heads forward to drain the excess water from their pouch, leaving only the captured fish inside.
Swallowing – Finally, they toss their heads back and swallow the fish whole before taking off again.
This unique hunting method allows them to catch fish efficiently, often targeting schooling fish like sardines and anchovies. Their air sacs, located under the skin and in their bones, act as cushions to protect them from the impact of the dive.
Happy Pi day. What does Pi have to do with the outdoors?
Pi (π) appears throughout nature in many fascinating ways. Here are some key examples:
Circles and Spheres – Pi is fundamental to the geometry of circles and spheres, which are everywhere in nature. The shapes of planets, ripples in water, and even tree rings all involve π in their mathematical descriptions.
Waves and Oscillations – Many natural phenomena, such as sound waves, ocean tides, and electromagnetic waves, follow sinusoidal patterns, which are described using trigonometric functions that rely on π.
Spiral Patterns – Many natural structures, including galaxies, hurricanes, and the arrangement of sunflower seeds, follow logarithmic spirals, which involve π in their equations.
Biological Systems – The DNA double helix has helical properties that can be modeled using π. Additionally, heart rhythms, brain waves, and other biological cycles often follow wave-like patterns linked to π.
Purple Martin houses at Busch Wildlife Rehabilitation Center located in Jupiter, Florida
January maybe a little cooler in Florida this year. Cooler weather is great nature trail walking weather. Go explore. Find new places to go. Identify plants, birds and trees. How many species can you identify in this video?
For more places to explore:
https://ferrelloutdoors.com/guides-and-books
Spring Hammock Preserve in Orange County Florida
Moss Park, Orlando, FL Orange County
Golf Course nature viewing offers beautiful views and a variety of wildlife. We had the opportunity to ride a golf cart through a golf course in New Smyrna Beach, FL, and the birdlife was amazing. This anhinga was just off the cart path, catching the last rays of the day to dry its wings.
Nature's cleanup crew consists of bugs, birds, and animals. Water is an essential component for drinking and bathing for birds and animals. We found this black vulture taking a drink at Alexander Springs Recreation Area located in Altoona, FL.
Who won, the tortoise or the hare. This tortoise must have won! The gopher tortoise is a fascinating, burrow-digging dynamo of the southeastern U.S.! With its sturdy, shovel-like front legs, it crafts intricate underground homes that double as cozy shelters for hundreds of other creatures. This nature-loving herbivore is a true ecosystem hero, shaping its environment with every dig!
#seaturtles #ponceinlet #marinesciencecenter
Muscovy ducks are large, heavy-bodied ducks native to Mexico, Central, and South America. They are distinctive for their unique appearance, with red facial caruncles and a prominent knob above the bill in males. Muscovy ducks are popular for their eggs, and pest control abilities, as they consume insects and small rodents. They are also known for their calm demeanor and ability to adapt to various environments, including urban settings. We have found them at almost all fresh water lakes near trails.
Purple Martins are actively nesting in Central Florida. This house was in Lake County. Other nesting areas can ba found on the grounds of Marine Discovery Center and more places.
Explore Central Florida's outdoors with us, Joan and Jack Ferrell. Visit us often to see where we go next!
