Southwest Florida is buzzing with spring activity this year. Around Englewood and the nearby coast, sea turtles, migratory birds, and alligators are all on the move as the weather warms up.
Here’s a quick rundown on what’s happening right now on the nature trail:
Sea Turtle Nesting Season
Sea turtle nesting season kicked off March 1, and Leatherback turtles are turning up on local beaches. Loggerheads won’t be far behind, as they usually arrive in April.
If you’re headed to the beach, don’t forget to keep things “Clean, Dark, and Flat.” That means clearing away furniture, picking up your stuff, and smoothing out any holes so these turtles have a shot at nesting.
Birds
The birds are busy too. Audubon Florida marked off areas for beach-nesting birds like Least Terns and Black Skimmers. If you spot those roped sections, give them a wide berth, because these birds need all the peace they can get.
For birders, March brings a ton of action. Warblers are passing through, and you’ll see resident eagles, herons, and woodpeckers busy as ever. Swallow-tailed Kites have also made their return for the nesting season. There’s a lot to see out there if you’re up for a walk with your binoculars.
Gators
Alligator sightings are up as temperatures climb, both in neighborhoods and along waterways. The FWC reminds everyone to monitor kids and pets near the water’s edge. Alligators are most active now, so it’s smart to stay alert.
Manatees and Dolphins
Dolphins have been putting on a show lately in Englewood and Lemon Bay. Eco-tour guides keep spotting them foraging and playing, even as other spots in Florida struggle with sightings.
As the weather gets warmer, think low to mid-80s, manatees are getting on the move too, leaving their winter hangouts. They can usually be found gliding through the bays and canals around Manasota Key. Boaters, take it slow in shallow waters, as manatees blend right in, and they need your caution.
Shelling
As for shelling, the Englewood Shell Club has held outreach events through February and March, and they’ll be part of the Englewood Earth Day celebration at Buchan Air Park on April 19.
On the beaches, those blustery, choppy days have done us a favor: they’re pushing prehistoric shark teeth onto the shore, making it a great time to hunt for these little treasures. And while not considered technically shells, it’s always a pleasant surprise to stumble on one of those toothy treasures.
A few quick tips for everyone enjoying the area this spring:
– Keep beaches dark at night. Lights confuse sea turtles and their hatchlings.
– Secure trash and pet food. Bears (yes, we have those, too) and other wildlife are searching for snacks, so don’t entice them closer.
– Respect marked areas for nesting birds and resting manatees. Give them plenty of space.
Southwest Florida is bursting with life. It’s a great time to get outside; just remember you’re sharing the space with some amazing wildlife.
