Guana River - Wildlife

Active wildlife management practices combined with a diversity of natural communities make Guana River WMA an excellent place to view wildlife, especially birds. During April and October, especially with a west wind or after a cold front, this is the best place in northeast Florida to see peregrine falcons. Nearly 3000-4000 migratory ducks, American coots, common moorhens, common gallinules, and pied-billed grebes winter at Guana Lake.

White pelicans (January and February), ospreys, and bald eagles often fish at the impounded lake. When water levels are low, look for black-necked stilts, yellowlegs, dowitchers, and other shore birds at the lake's north end.

At Big Savannah and other ponds, especially in May through September, you are likely to see wood storks, roseate spoonbills, and white and glossy ibis. The Guana Dam and the tower on Hammock Road are excellent spots to photograph and observe birds.

Wildlife Spotlight: Peregrine Falcon

Agility, speed, power - these are fitting adjectives describing the flight of the peregrine falcon, the world's fastest bird. This skillful hunter, famous for its ability to snatch birds right out of the sky, has awed many a bird watcher fortunate enough to witness its stooping flight- the term used to describe this bird's steep downward plunge, with wings partially closed, at speeds that can exceed 150 mph. Such deadly stealth is effective on doves, shorebirds and ducks, the peregrine's favorite prey.

Just as spectacular has been the peregrine's comeback from severe population declines resulting from the widespread use, beginning in the 1940s, of pesticides such as DDT. At one point, the species was no longer found east of the Mississippi, and populations in the west had declined by as much as 90 percent. Currently, only the subspecies Arctic peregrine falcon is listed as an endangered species.

Peregrine falcons don't breed in Florida, but like many northern breeders, some spend the winter here. They are regularly spotted during spring and fall migrations as they move between northern breeding grounds and wintering areas in Central and South America. A good place to watch for them in fall or winter is over open terrain, particularly coastal shorelines and wetlands.

As your eyes scan the skies for interesting birds, the peregrine falcon will be distinguished by its typical falcon silhouette - long, pointed wings and long thin tail - and by the dark feathers on its head and nape, which resemble a hood or helmet. A distinctive black wedge extends below the eye.