Photograph as originally submitted to this page in the Historical Marker Database www.HMdb.org. Click on photo to resize in browser. Scroll down to see metadata.

Photographer: Cosmos Mariner
Taken: June 20, 2013
Caption: Keefer Island (supplemental natural habitat marker near Keefer's Island Marker)
Additional Description:
If you were a shy, secretive animal in this area were might you live? You may see many birds and mammals here on the Greenbelt, but there are many more just out of your view on Keefer Island. Many of the trees and shrubs you see on the island were planted by Fred Keefer while he lived there, but the animals that live there have found it on their own. Certainly, the birds have no problem making it over, they can either swim or fly. What about the mammals like rabbits, weasels, and mice? Typically, these animals do not swim and they certainly do not fly. During low water years, however, Keefer Island becomes exposed as ‘new habitat’ to animals as they simply walk over a land bridge. Wildlife populations on the island are kept in check by the natural life and death cycle of changing water levels. During high water years animals that can’t swim or fly may be swept away by floods. Birds nesting on the island may lose their nests and young to high water. In drier years the island may be available to predators by a land bridge.

What animals can you see from here? Perching raptors may be the easiest to spot. Look at the tops of the trees for bald eagles and osprey. From a high perch an osprey can see the water all around the island in search of dinner (a fish). Can you see any waterfowl around the edge of the island? Ducks and geese may find good nesting habitat on the edges of th island as it is less disturbed than the waters edge along the Greenbelt and it provides an easy ‘wet’ escape route from disturbance on the island. A number of smaller animals that you cannot see also inhabit the island including rabbits, weasels, and mice. Rumor has it that deer and moose also visit the island on occasion. Keep your eyes peeled!
Submitted: November 23, 2017, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Database Locator Identification Number: p405350
File Size: 6.856 Megabytes

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