In the Tampa Bay area’s subtropical climate, butterflies can thrive among many varieties of plants. In fact, most live their entire lives around plants like the ones in this garden, which was created as a butterfly habitat.
The plants attract . . . — — Map (db m106502) HM
As manatees move about in the warm water, you may see various parts of their anatomy. These include:
Snouts
If you hear a rushing noise like that of a snorkeler who’s blowing water out of his tube, be sure to scan the water’s surface for . . . — — Map (db m106503)
Manatees can communicate with each other by making squeaks, chips and squeals.
Most manatee communications occur between a mother and her calf. Perhaps you will hear a mother manatee calling her calf if they become visually separated. . . . — — Map (db m106504) HM
Great Blue Heron
This is the largest member of the heron family. Its long legs allow it to wade in deeper water than the other herons. The great blue’s powerful neck whips its sharp beak at its prey with great speed. Its favorite meal is . . . — — Map (db m106507) HM
Manatee photo-identification is a research technique that uses the unique pattern of scars and mutilations on a manatee’s trunk and tail fluke to identify an individual animal over time.
In Florida, the scars are primarily a result of . . . — — Map (db m106500) HM
Clean brackish water, created by the mixing of clean fresh water and salt water, is important to the health of the estuary.
Stormwater runoff however, can create problems.
What is Stormwater Runoff?
It is excess rain that flows over . . . — — Map (db m106499)
Range
The monarch butterfly is native to North, Central, and northern South America. It has been accidentally introduced to numerous islands in the Pacific and Atlantic.
Habitat
In the spring and summer, the monarch butterfly’s . . . — — Map (db m106501) HM
Mangroves are the basis of the estuary’s food chain and are important nurseries for fish, crustaceans and shellfish. Seventy-five percent of the game fish and ninety percent of the commercial species in south Florida are dependent on mangrove . . . — — Map (db m106506) HM
