by Rick O'Connor | Mar 20, 2020
As with mud turtles, full grown musk turtles are no bigger than your hand. They differ from mud turtles in that they have a single hinge on their plastron and the scutes just above that hinge are rectangular instead of triangular. Like mud turtles, they are very aquatic and not seen basking or out of water at anytime other than to lay eggs. Also like mud turtles, few people know they exist.
There are only two species in Florida, the Loggerhead Musk (Sternotherus minor) and the Common Musk (Sternotherus odoratus). There is a subspecies of the Loggerhead Musk in the far western panhandle, the striped-necked (Sternotherus minor peltifer).
Loggerhead Musk Turtle.
Photo: Flickr
The Loggerhead Musk is found through much of the southeastern United States and much of Florida. Like all musk and mud turtles it is small, with an average carapace length of 6 inches. The carapace will have 3 keels and small black flecks scattered across the light brown/olive colored shell. The head is large and wide with large jaws for crushing mollusk shells, a favorte food. The head is light colored with dark markings and 2 barbels (fleshy whiskers) under the chin. These barbels are chemosynthetic and help locate food. There are no striped on the head.
They prefer to walk across the bottom of either calm or flowing waterways, rarely leaving the water and have been found as deep as 44 feet into springs. In the waterways where they are found they have some of the highest densities of any turtle in the area – as much as 3000 individuals in a hectare. They breed in both fall and spring and the female usually does not travel far from the water to lay her eggs. Eggs have been found near logs and stumps. She will usually lay about 1-5 and they may take 100 days to incubate. Loggerheads feed on insects when young and switch to mollusk as adults. They have been known to eat other small turtles in captivity. They are preyed upon by alligator snapping turtles and maybe the alligator itself. They have been popular in the pet trade.
This common musk turtle (stinkpot) shows the dark head with stripes but also shows at bullet hole from a practice by some people called “plinking”. Where they practice shooting at turtles.
The Common Musk turtle is just that… common. It is found across the entire eastern portion of the United States and all of Florida. As its scientific name suggests (S. odoratus) it releases a pungent musk from glands near the bridge between the carapace and the plastron. This strong musk gives the turtle is other common name “Stinkpot”.
It too has a carapace about 6 inches long but differs from the Loggerhead in that its head is dark with 2 Yellow-White stripes running laterally. There is also a notch in the plastron near the tail. It is very aquatic, and can be found in high densities, but prefers still quite waters. They are known to be deep divers as well, diving to depths of 30 feet.
They will nest more inland than Loggerheads and usually lay multiple clutches of 1-9 eggs sometimes not burying them. Stinkpots are omnivorous, preferring mollusk but will also consume other invertebrates and seeds. Being small, they are preyed upon by raccoons, wading birds, fox, skunks, water snakes, hawks, eagles, alligators, snapping turtles, bull frogs, and even large mouth bass.
The handling of small turtles must be done with care. They have a long reach and nasty bite. But they are very cool turtles and very common. It is very cool to see them while snorkeling or paddling our rivers and springs.
Resource:
Meylan, P.A. (Ed.). 2005. Biology and Conservation of Florida Turtles. Chelonian Research Monographs No. 3, 376 pp.
by Rick O'Connor | Mar 9, 2020
When it comes to charismatic wildlife, there are few that are more than marine mammals. Everyone loves whales and dolphins. Even today, as many years as I have been working on the water, my colleagues and myself still get excited when we see dolphins. Seeing a whale is like a life-long bucket item. Marine mammals are pretty exciting to see.
A group of small dolphin leap from the ocean.
Photo: NOAA
In the world of marine mammals there are four different groups. Of course, there are the whales and dolphins (the cetaceans), there are the seals and sea lions (pinnipeds), the manatees (sirenians), and… believe it or not… the polar bear (ursids). But we only find two of these in the Gulf of Mexico. The polar bear, of course, does not live here. I know you needed to hear that from me. Pinnipeds no longer live here. Many may be surprised that there was once the Caribbean Monk Seal. There are records of this animal in the southern Gulf, but it is now extinct. There are records of California Sea Lions in the Gulf, possible release from some aquarium program – who knows, but no one has seen any in decades and it is believed they no longer exist here. So that leaves the cetaceans and the manatee.
The most recent publication (2017) states there are 28 species of cetaceans in the Gulf of Mexico. Cetaceans are subdivided into two groups: the baleen and the toothed whales. It is believed that 27 of the 28 species in the Gulf are toothed whales. Baleen whales are the big boys, 50-100’ in length and weighing tons. Some are the largest animals that ever existed on our planet. Most prefer cooler waters. Records of species come from whaling logs of the 19th and early 20th century as well as more recent scientific surveys and records from the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network. Early records suggest that right whales, humpbacks, sei, and even blue whales have been seen – though most of these were from the southern Gulf. But more recent science surveys indicated that only the Bryde’s Whale is encountered, and those are not common.
The majority are toothed whales. These would include the largest of them the sperm whale. Made famous in the novel Moby Dick, sperm whales were sought by whalers for their blubber and spermaceti. The blubber was boiled down to oil and used to light street lanterns and light houses. The spermaceti was used for a variety products including cosmetics. The sperm whales in the Gulf appear to be smaller than their counterparts in the open ocean and may be a separate subspecies. They seem to linger off the coast of Texas and Louisiana feeding on squid found at great depths.
The large head and double blowhole of a Bryde’s whale.
Photo: NOAA
Another toothed whale reported is the Orca, or killer whale. These are rare and are most often spotted in the central portion of the Gulf. There are numerous beaked whales and dolphins, but – though reported in early whaling logs – recent surveys suggest there are no porpoise. Porpoise differ from dolphin both in size and tooth shape. The most abundant dolphin is the pantropical spotted dolphin. Those who lived in the area in the 1980s and early 1990s might remember a stranding of dolphins that involved an adult female “Mango” and small baby named “Kiwi”. Mango died during recovery, but Kiwi lived for many years at the Gulfarium in Ft. Walton – these were pantropical spotted dolphins. The most familiar, and most often seen, are the Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins. These are a coastal species, many pods living within the estuary itself. They are the stars of many aquarium shows.
As you might guess, toothed whales are all carnivores. They only have canine teeth, so they must swallow their food whole. Their favorites are fish and squid. They have an amazing sense of echolocation that can help them navigate waters, detect prey, and even “stun” prey making it easier to eat. They give live birth as we do, and the calves stay with their mom for about two years learning how to survive. Cetaceans are very social forming groups known as pods. Most pods are dominated by females and young. Only one or two males are present.
A lone manatee spotted in Big Lagoon near Pensacola Pass. Sightings like these are becoming more common.
Photo: Marsha Stanton
Manatees are members of a group called Sirenia. This name comes from the fact that Columbus’ crew thought they were mermaids – “sirens of the sea”. It has been said before, that if they thought manatees were mermaids – their idea of a mermaid, and ours, is very different. That said, that is where they get their name. There are four species of sirenians on our planet, the one found here is the West Indian Manatee. They are found through the Caribbean, South Atlantic, and Gulf of Mexico. It is believed now that there are two subspecies – the Antillean of the Caribbean, and the Florida manatee from our neck of the woods. These are slow moving herbivores who can tolerate freshwater. They have a low tolerance for cold water and seek warm water springs, and the warm water discharges from power plants, during the winter.
Manatees are not as social as cetaceans and are usually not found in large groups unless they gather in warm water spots. Females usually give birth to a single calf which stays with her for about two years. They have flat molars, like cows, and feed on a variety of plants – the source of their other common name… “sea cows”. The numbers of these animals have increased in recent decades, but they are still low, and the animal is still protected. Boat strikes is one of the leading causes of death, though red tide, and cold stunning are also problems. Sightings of these animals in our area are increasing and we are currently tracking encounters at the county extension office. If you see one, please contact Rick O’Connor at the Escambia County Extension Office – (850) 475-5230, or roc1@ufl.edu.
Though the days of “Save the Whales” and “Save the Manatee” are not as common, these animals still face low numbers and problematic encounters with humans. Fishing gear, boat strikes, sounds, all take marine mammals in the Gulf each year. Hopefully we all get to check off seeing one of these magnificent creatures from our bucket list before the end of our time.
Resource:
Wursig, B. 2017. Marine Mammals of the Gulf of Mexico. In: Wards, C. (ed.) Habitats and Biota of the Gulf of Mexico: Before Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. Springer, New NY.
by Rick O'Connor | Mar 3, 2020
This is a new one for many of you… mud turtles. Most have never heard of them. They are very small turtles with oval shaped, domed shells that have hinges similar to box turtles. There are actually two genera within this family of small turtles, the mud turtles (Kinosternon) and the musk turtles (Sternothurus). There are two species of each found in Florida and they differ in that the mud turtles have two hinges on their plastron (belly shell) and the musk only have one. In this post, we will focus on the mud turtles.
The small, but cool, eastern mud turtle.
Photo: Charles Bartlett
As mentioned above, mud turtles differ in that they have two moveable hinges on their plastron. Also, the scutes (scales) anterior of the anterior most hinge is triangle in shape instead of square. There are two species of mud turtles in Florida. The Striped Mud Turtle (Kinosternon baurii) is a resident of peninsula part of our state. Found from the Apalachicola River to the Florida Keys, this turtle differs from the Eastern Mud Turtle in having three yellow longitudinal stripes on the carapace (though these stripes be faint or missing in the northern part of the state). The carapace has a concave depression on each side of the backbone and the head is usually striped. The length of the carapace is usually not more than 4”.
The Eastern Mud Turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum) has three subspecies. The Eastern Mud Turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum subrubrum) is found in northern Florida and differs from the Striped Mud in having a mottled head in lieu of a striped one. The Florida Mud Turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum steindachneri) also has a mottled head but is found in the peninsula part of the state (but not the Keys). The Mississippi Mud Turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum hippocrepis) has two stripes on the head and is only found in the far western panhandle. This species lacks the stripes and concaved carapace. They too are small, with carapace lengths from 3 – 5 inches. This species has a much-reduced plastron, similar to snapping turtles.
The striped mud can be found in either quiet or flowing waters, where the eastern mud(s) prefer quiet waters with lots of vegetation. In the Florida Keys numerous striped muds have been found in ditches and roadside ponds. They have been in brackish water up to 15 ppt. Stripes are known to make long overland movements during rain and can remain there for several weeks. It is believed they are seeking nesting areas. Eastern muds have been known to make overland movements but not to the extent of the striped muds, and many eastern muds are known to not make these trips at all.
Both species are known to nest in the spring, but the striped muds have a fall nesting season as well. Unusual for turtles, male eastern muds are larger than the females. Male striped muds will have a concave plastron, similar to what the terrestrial turtles (gopher tortoise and box turtles) have. Both will find sandy spots and lay between one and eight small eggs.
Both species are omnivorous. Striped muds like seeds, leaves, and insects. Eastern muds consume primarily insects, crustaceans, and mollusks. Predators are numerous. As with all turtles, just about everyone consumes eggs and hatchlings. Being small, adults have their predators as well. Alligators, snakes, opossums, raccoons, crows, gars, and even blue crabs have been known to take them. The long wanderings of the striped mud have brought many of them into contacts with cars on highways.
The population status is not well known for this group. There are many research gaps that need to be filled. They are not currently listed in Florida, though the striped mud is listed as endangered in the Florida Keys. It appears the primary cause of their decline has been development.
Resource:
Meylan, P.A. (Ed.). 2006. Biology and Conservation of Florida Turtles. Chelonian Research Monographs No. 3, 376 pp.
These are small turtles but have a big heart! They can retract into their shells but will take a snip at one’s hand if not careful. They are pretty cool really and one of the special turtles in our state.
by Rick O'Connor | Feb 21, 2020
The birds…
This is nuts… an article about the birds of the Gulf of Mexico in 500 words or less… right.
Do you know how many species of birds live in and around the Gulf?
It’s a lot…
Birds have the fewest barriers, and the widest range of just about any animal on the planet. They can easily fly over deserts, mountains, and oceans. Most of us have seen gulls in every parking lot in the United States, and we know that many species intentionally migrate over these large landscapes.
This little blue heron is stalking prey in a Gulf coast salt marsh.
Photo: Molly O’Connor
So, we are going to focus here on just “seabirds”. But how do you define a “seabird”? An ornithologist I worked with many years ago told me – “if it eats seafood… it’s a seabird”. I do not know if all ornithologists would agree with this, but this is what we are going with.
On our barrier islands we find mockingbirds, cardinals, and many other “woodland” birds. Since they do not eat “seafood”, we will not include them here. I have seen seabirds grouped into (a) offshore birds, (b) nearshore birds, and (c) shorebirds. Offshore birds would be those that spend most of their lives on the wing, in flight over open water. Nearshore birds are those that leave land when the sun rises for a day at sea, but eventually return that evening. And shorebirds are near the beach all the time.
Though still uncommon in some parts of the Gulf, the brown pelican is a very recognizable bird along our shores.
Photo: Molly O’Connor
I used an old bird guide to make a list of such birds that have been found in the Gulf region. As many of you know, some are only seasonal. Published in 1980, Roger Tory Peterson’s Birds of the Eastern United States list 94 “seabirds” that are either full time, or part time, residents of the Gulf. Most (92%) are shorebirds.
This guide suggests there are six species of offshore seabirds that visit the Gulf region. These species have long tapered wings and can remain aloft for hours or days. Many have special glands on their beaks to excrete salt, since they would have to swallow seawater if at sea for a long time. Shearwaters and petrels have been recorded over the southern Gulf. The northern Gannet (which prefers the arctic region) has been reported over the northern Gulf. Two species of boobies have been reported as well.
I was only able to find one record of a “nearshore seabird” and that is the Magnificent Frigate bird, also known as the “Man-o-War” bird. It gets its common name from its habitat of “pirating” food from other seabirds. It can catch food on its own but seems to enjoy stealing from others. They can be seen nearshore on very windy days high above sorrowing almost still with their “bent” wing design. In the southern Gulf they nest on mangrove islands and locals there see them on a regular basis.
Bald eagles are becoming more common along the Gulf coast.
Photo: Charles Pulley
Based on this guide, there are 87 species of shorebirds in the Gulf region, 59 only winter here. The list is huge and includes loons and cormorants, pelicans and herons, gulls and terns, and the stilt legged birds such as herons and egrets. Many hunters await one of 19 species of duck that spend winter here and in recent years encounters with bald eagles have increased.
Birds lack teeth so they must either grab, or cut, their prey with their bills. Members of the pelican family are famous for their “pouches” which they use to hold food for their young. Oyster catchers can snip open the bivalve with their blade-like bill. The black skimmers have a longer lower bill they dip in the surface of the water as they fly over attracting fish, which the skimmer grabs on its second pass over. Many seabirds are excellent divers and some swim very well, chasing prey beneath the waves.
Many of these shorebirds have been nesting on our barrier islands for thousands of years. Here there are few predators and the warm sand provides a great nesting spot. However, humans have connected these isolated islands to the mainland with bridges and new predators can easily grab the chicks right off the beach. The increase of non-island predators has placed some species on the protected list.
There is a LOT more that can be said about these common and amazing animals. We encourage to take time and do some birding. It is easy, you are already there, and they have no problem displaying their behaviors while you watch.
by Rick O'Connor | Feb 20, 2020
These are some of the most unique turtles in the Order Chelonia. Softshells are very distinct with their flat, leathery shells and long tubular snouts. These guys like to lie beneath the sand of Florida’s rivers, buried except their eyes and snout, awaiting passing fish to ambush. They have very long necks to extend their reach during a strike and three sharp bony plates in the roof of their mouths to rip fish flesh. Those handling these should be careful. They have a LONG reach and a nasty bite.
A large Florida softshell turtle basking on a log in Blackwater River.
Photo: Molly O’Connor
There are believed to be 22 species of softshells around the globe but only three live in Florida, and two of those are only found in the western panhandle, one is only found in Escambia County.
The Florida softshell (Apalone ferox) is found throughout the state. Unlike the other Florida species, this one can be found in slow moving streams, ponds, lakes, retention ponds, and even some brackish systems. It prefers to NOT inhabit faster moving rivers. It is the largest of the Florida softshells reaching a carapace length of 30 inches (2.5’) and a mass of 100 pounds! Like many turtles, females are large than males. Besides size, the Florida softshell can be distinguished from the others by the low, round tubercles along the nape of the carapace. This turtle is often seen basking in quiet waterways and will defend itself aggressively. Like many freshwater turtles, Florida softshells nest during daylight hours in sandy soils. They typically lay 15-25 eggs and more than one clutch a year. Unlike other freshwater turtles, sex is not determined by egg temperature but rather by genetics. Though they are fish eaters, much of their diet consist of snails and insects. Crayfish, clams, snakes, turtles, and birds (though rare) have been found in their gut. This species has few predators as adults but are heavily preyed upon by humans for the food markets outside of Florida.
The Gulf Coast Spiny Softshell (Apalone spinifera aspera) is smaller than the Florida softshell, but larger than the Gulf Coast Smooth, with maximum carapace length at 18 inches. They can be distinguished from the other softshells by having spiny, or spike looking tubercles along the nape of the carapace. The hatchlings are tan with numerous small spots and dark thin lines along the margin of the carapace. In Florida, this softshell is only found in the panhandle and in the St. Marys River in Nassau County. It prefers fast moving rivers but will move into quieter waters if the Florida softshell is not present. Like many turtles, they nest during daylight hours in sandy soils during the spring. Clutch size is 20-25 eggs and they lay more than one clutch per year. Incubation is between 60-70 days. They are bottom feeders feeding mostly on crayfish and fish. There are few adult predators and no commercial fishery for this species.
The Gulf Coast Smooth Softshell (Apalone mutica calvata) has only been found in Escambia County within our state. As the name implies, the nape of the carapace does not have the round or spike-like tubercles – rather, it is smooth. It is a smaller softshell, with a carapace length of 12 inches. The young have large circular spots which are harder to see in adults. It has a milder disposition than most softshells, preferring to withdraw into the shell rather than bite. It prefers rivers over other types of water bodies and has only been found in the Escambia River within our state, and only in the upper – faster moving portions of it. They have been found in quiet waters connected to this river. It seems to like sections of the river where sandbars are common, buried in sand near them awaiting fish. They will quickly retreat to the deep part of the river when encountered. The GCSS will use these sandbars for nesting in the spring, laying only about 6-8 eggs, and typically more than one clutch each season. The eggs incubate for 60-70 days and sex is determined by genetics, not temperature. Though fish eaters, insects are much of their diet. There is no commercial fishery for this small turtle.
Like all turtles, nest predation is high for softshells, but river flooding also takes a lot of nests.
All freshwater turtles afford some protection (more some than others). Residents can collect no more than one softshell/day for noncommercial use, no more than two in your possession, and no eggs.
These are really neat looking turtles and it is very exciting to see them while paddling our rivers. We hope you get to see one soon.
by Rick O'Connor | Feb 13, 2020
An eastern cottonmouth basking near a creek in a swampy area of Florida.
Photo: Tommy Carter
When you think of reptiles you typically think of tropical rainforest or the desert. However, there is at least one member of the three orders of reptiles that do live in the sea. Saltwater crocodiles are found in the Indo-Pacific region as are about 50 species of sea snakes. There is one marine lizard, the marine iguana of the Galapagos Islands, and then the marine (or sea) turtles. These are found worldwide and are the only true marine reptiles found in the Gulf of Mexico.
Sea turtles are very charismatic animals and beloved by many. Five of the seven species are found in the Gulf. These include the Loggerhead, which is the most common, the Green, the Hawksbill, the Leatherback, and the rarest of all – the Kemp’s Ridley.
Many in our area are very familiar with the nesting behavior of these long-ranged animals. They do have strong site fidelity and navigate across the Gulf, or from more afar, to their nesting beaches – many here in the Pensacola Beach area. The males and females court and mate just offshore in early spring. The females then approach the beach after dark to lay about 100 eggs in a deep hole. She then returns the to the Gulf never to see her offspring. Many females will lay more than one clutch in a season.
The largest of the sea turtles, the leatherback.
Photo: Dr. Andrew Colman
The eggs incubate for 60-70 days and their temperature determines whether they will be male or female, warmer eggs become females. The hatchlings hatch beneath the sand and begin to dig out. If they detect problems, such as warm sand (we believe meaning daylight hours) or vibrations (we believe meaning predators) they will remain suspended until those potential threats are no more. The “run” (all hatchlings at once) usually occurs under the cover of darkness to avoid predators. The hatchlings scramble towards the Gulf finding their way by light reflecting off the water. Ghost crabs, fox, raccoon, and other predators take almost 90% of them, and the 10% who do reach the Gulf still have predatory birds and fish to deal with. Those who make it past this gauntlet head for the Sargassum weed offshore to begin their lives.
These are large animals, some reaching 1000 pounds, but most are in the 300-400 pound range, and long lived, some reaching 100 years. It takes many years to become sexually mature and typically long-lived / low reproductive animals are targets for population issues when disasters or threats arise. Many creatures eat the small hatchings, but there are few predators on the large reproducing adults. However, in recent years humans have played a role in the decline of the adult population and all five species are now listed as either threatened or endangered and are protected in the U.S. There are a couple of local ordinances developed to adhere to federal law requiring protection. One is the turtle friendly lighting ordinance, which is enforced during nesting season (May 1 – Oct 31), and the Leave No Trace ordinance requiring all chairs, tents, etc. to be removed from the beach during the evening hours. There are other things that locals can do to help protect these animals such as: fill in holes dug on the beach during the day, discard trash and plastic in proper receptacles, avoid snagging with fishing line and (if so) properly remove, and watch when boating offshore to avoid collisions.
If we include the barrier islands there are more coastal reptiles beyond the sea turtles. There are freshwater ponds which can harbor a variety of freshwater turtles. I have personally seen cooters, sliders, and even a snapping turtle on Pensacola Beach. Many coastal islands harbor the terrestrial gopher tortoise and wooded areas could harbor the box turtles. In the salt marsh you may find the only brackish water turtle in the U.S., the diamondback terrapin. These turtles do nest on our beaches and are unique to see. Freshwater turtle reproductive cycles are very similar to sea turtles, albeit most nest during daylight hours.
An American Alligator basking on shore.
Photo: Molly O’Connor
The American alligator can also be found in freshwater ponds, and even swimming in saltwater. They can reach lengths of 12 feet, though there are records of 15 footers. These animals actually do not like encounters with humans and will do their best to avoid us. Problems begin when they are fed and loose that fear. I have witnessed locals in Louisiana feeding alligators, but it is a felony in Florida. Males will “bello” in the spring to attract females and ward off competing males. Females will lay eggs in a nest made of vegetation near the shoreline and guard these, and the hatchlings, during and after birth. They can be dangerous at this time and people should avoid getting near.
We have several native species of lizards that call the islands home. The six-lined race runners and the green anole to name two. However, non-native and invasive lizards are on the increase. It is believed there are actually more non-native and invasive lizards in Florida than native ones. The Argentina Tegu and the Cuban Anole are both problems and the Brown Anole is now established in Gulf Breeze, East Hill, and Perdido Key – probably other locations as well. Growing up I routinely find the horned lizard in our area. I was not aware then they were non-native, but by the 1970s you could only find them on our barrier islands, and today sightings are rare.
An eastern cottonmouth crossing a beach.
Photo: Molly O’Connor
Then there are the snakes.
Like all reptiles, snakes like dry xeric environments like barrier islands. We have 46 species in the state of Florida, and many can be found near the coast. Though we have no sea snakes in the Gulf, all of our coastal snakes are excellent swimmers and have been seen swimming to the barrier islands. Of most concern to residents are the venomous ones. There are six venomous snakes in our area and four of them can be found on barrier islands. These include the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, the Pygmy Rattlesnake, the Eastern Coral Snake, and the Eastern Cottonmouth. There has been a recent surge in cottonmouth encounters on islands and this could be due to more people with more development causing more encounters, or there may be an increase in their populations. Cottonmouths are more common in wet areas and usually want to be near freshwater. Current surveys are trying to determine how frequently encounters do occur.
Not everyone agrees, but I think reptiles are fascinating animals and a unique part of the Gulf biosphere. We hope others will appreciate them more and learn to live with and enjoy them.
