Wildlife Happenings - March
Finally we've got the beginning of Spring, at least officially. With the warmer weather we should start seeing a lot of animal behavior we haven't seen since...well, since last spring. Here are some activities you should look for in March:
Birds
- Migrating birds from Central and South America visit the state.
- Mourning doves nest now through November.
- Carolina wrens are nesting now.
- Mangrove cuckoos return to the Keys.
- Summer tanagers and great-crested flycatchers arrive to breed.
- Swallow tailed kites return to south Florida wetlands.
- Listen for newly-returned chuck-will's-widows calling after sunset.
- Plant columbine, coral bean, and other wildflowers to attract hummingbirds.
- Wild turkey and quail begin breeding in central and north Florida.
- Quail are breeding in many parts of the state
Mammals
- Look for red foxes emerging from remote beaches.
- Last chance to see manatee concentrations in the Caloosahatchee River this winter.
- Striped skunks are fighting over mates - watch out!
Amphibians
- Male frogs and toads move to ponds, streams, and ditches to breed during rainy nights
Reptiles
- Snakes become active and move to favorite feeding areas
Fish
- Gulf of Mexico Sturgeon spawn in the Suwannee River during the spring or early summer.
- Largemouth bass spawning throughout central and north Florida
- Redear sunfish begin bedding in central Florida
- White bass run up the Ochlockonee River above Lake Talquin.
Hunting and Fishing
- Spring turkey hunters take to the field
Plants & Trees
- Chicksaw plum and crabapples bloom in north Florida
- Bromeliads flower in south Florida
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