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Dismal season for snowy plover on Siesta Key The snowy plover, for a variety of reasons, had a tough time this year on Siesta Key. Kylie Wilson, shorebird coordinator for Audubon Florida, gives the following report: “This past nesting season, snowy plovers laid only two nests on Siesta. That is the fewest number of nests […]
This large, American wading bird is sometimes misnamed the Wood Ibis because of a decurved bill reminiscent of the smaller yet unrelated ibis. Other nicknames include flinthead, stonehead, and ironhead. These monikers aptly describe the stork’s prehistoric-looking head and neck that, in their featherless state, give the appearance of stone. This is the only stork […]
A familiar sight on Siesta Key, Florida’s state bird lends its influence to American pop culture, finding its way into songs, lullabies, and book titles. As its scientific name suggests, this medium-sized songbird is a “many-tongued mimic” with a lot to say — or rather, sing. Not only does it imitate the songs of other […]
Along the eastern seaboard and gulf coast of the U. S., as well as the southern California coast, the tricolored heron is a familiar sight. That includes the mangroves, bays, and estuaries of Siesta Key. Nearby woodland cover is very important to this heron as it perches in trees when it’s not wading and foraging. […]
While the osprey bears a strong resemblance to several kinds of hawks, it is actually classified in its own separate family as a fish hawk.The osprey is the only North American hawk whose diet is almost exclusively live fish, both freshwater and saltwater. It takes lots of protein (rich in Omega-3 fatty acids) to fuel […]
Common Gallinule (Gallinula geleata) This year-round resident of Siesta Key and Sarasota County is also a familiar sight throughout the eastern United States. The gallinule’s most unusual feature is a bright-red shield on its forehead, making it anything but common. The bird is a study in color contrast, with vibrant red and yellow accents set […]
March crime, visitor stats similar between 2019 and 2021 Having heard from Siesta residents who believe crime is rising on the Key, Kaitlyn Perez, community affairs director for the Sheriff’s Office, was asked for some comparison data. During the April 1 meeting of the Siesta Key Association, Sgt. Arik Smith, leader of the Sheriff’s Office […]
Sea turtle nesting season is among us, lasting until Oct. 31. So, it’s once again time to get out of one’s shell and spread the word. Newbies to Siesta Key should know that turtle protection is a local topic taken very seriously. Sarasota County hosts the highest density of loggerhead nests in the Gulf of […]
Turkey vulture (Carthartes auro) Broad wings with outstretched finger-like tips, along with a bright-red featherless head and pale yellow bill, are some key traits that make this large raptor easy to spot. From a distance, the turkey vulture in flight is often confused with an eagle or osprey. However, if it appears to turn wobbly […]
Snowy Egret Egretta thula These graceful and delicate wading birds are smaller cousins to the Great Egret. In the late 1800s, the snowy egret was nearly hunted to extinction for its striking plumage. While their numbers rebounded following protective legislation in the 20th century, snowy egret numbers are once again in decline with the loss […]