Creeks & Wetlands

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) are locally common and often visit campus ponds to drink, bathe or swoop down to grasp a fish in their talons. These visitors to our lakes can be seen year-round, but are commonest in winter. View more information about the Osprey.

The Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga) is a waterbird with an oil-slicked appearance. These birds can be found in local ponds, spearing fish or sunbathing on the shores with their silvery wings outstretched. The Anhinga gets its name from the Tupac Indians in Brazil; and it means "devil bird" or "evil spirit of the woods." View more information about the Anhinga.

The Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) is the largest heron found in North America. These patient hunters can be found alongside river banks, marshes, or any slow-moving body of water. They will eat a wide variety of prey including small mammals, frogs, fishes, and snakes. View more information about the Great Blue Heron.

Green Heron (Butorides virescens) is a small species of heron that prefers to remain unseen. These birds perch just above the water and stab downward to capture small fish and tadpoles. The Green Heron is one of the few species of birds that uses tools to hunt prey. They will drop insects, feathers, or bits of food into the water to lure small fish to them. View more information about the Green Heron.

The Tri-colored Heron (Egretta tricolor) is named for its mix of blue and lavender hues, paired with a white belly. Like other herons, this bird wades through shallow waters stalking its prey. View more information about the Tri-colored Heron.

The Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea) is accurately named for its small stature and dark blue-grey plumage. These birds are white when they are young, giving them a survival advantage among larger herons. View more information about the Little Blue Heron.

The White Ibis (Eudocimus albus) is a common Florida bird that is mostly white with black tipped wings and a red beak. The juveniles are mottled brown and white. These birds forage through marshes and coastlines looking for small crabs or amphibians, although they are also commonly seen on lawns. View more information about the White Ibis.

Hooded Mergansers (Lophodytes cucullatus) are fish-eating ducks that breed in northern North America and migrate to Florida in winter. Usually arriving in pairs, the male has a distinctive black and white crest. View more information about Hooded Mergansers.

The Mottled Duck (Anas fulvigula) looks like a female mallard, but it is a real southern specialty as it is only found along the Gulf coast and southeastern coastal areas. This is a dabbling duck that upends as it swims to eat weed. View more information about the Mottled Duck.