Wildlife
feral hog |
Although mining has modified the natural environment of Tenoroc,
habitats support abundant birdlife. Tenoroc is a gateway for the East
Section of the Great Florida Birding Trail, which spans an
eighteen-county area. Tenoroc lies along a major historical songbird
migration route that once followed hardwood forests lining the Peace
River. The Ridge Audubon Society conducts annual bird counts on the
area.
Birding hotspots are numerous. Watch for meadowlarks and raptors on a
drive to Picnic Lake, a good spot for wading birds. Hike the trail
around Cemetery Lake and look for common moorhens, wood ducks, and
Florida mallards, as well as, blue-winged teal, hooded mergansers, and
other migratory ducks. Northern harriers are common in the winter.
Across the road from Picnic Lake’s parking area, pick up the dike trail
and hike to an area overlooking a wading bird colony with snowy egrets,
white ibises, and anhingas in the springtime. For sparrows, follow the
dirt road south of the office to the dove field. Ospreys, red-shouldered hawks, and black and turkey vultures
are year round residents. Several active osprey nests are easy to spot
when nesting activity kicks into high gear in the spring. Swallow-tailed
kites are summer specialties and winter is the time to see white
pelicans, belted kingfishers, American kestrels, northern harriers, and
peregrine falcons. Within the Saddle Creek Tract to the south, slash
pine flatwoods, floodplain swamp, and lakes and creeks are home to
wading birds and migratory songbirds.
In addition to birds, keep an eye out for colorful butterflies such
as red admiral, spicebush swallowtail, giant swallowtail, and question
mark.
