A Nature Lover's Guide to Spring in Central Florida

Thanks to Florida’s mild winters, many species begin their seasonal rituals well before their northern counterparts. Courtship can start as early as January or February, and by May, much of the wildlife activity has shifted to parenting, feeding, guarding, and teaching the next generation. While spring rains may not arrive until late May or even mid-June, the tempo of spring has been building for months.

Let’s take a look at some of our seasonal wildlife happenings…

Denning in the Pinewoods and Pastures

Coyotes are found in all 67 Florida counties, and spring is the most intimate time of year in their life cycle. After mating in winter, coyotes give birth to litters of pups in March or April. By May, those pups are growing fast and still relying on their den sites for protection and rest. This is the time when young coyotes are learning where to hide, how to hunt cooperatively, and what the easiest and best prey items are in their area. Because coyotes hunt in social groups and pass along learned behaviors, it can actually be helpful to keep an established pack around if they’re not causing problems. You never know what hunting strategies or preferences a new pack might bring.

Nesting Beneath the Sand

In spring, gopher tortoises become more visible above ground as nesting season approaches. These statelisted, threatened reptiles begin laying eggs in mid-May, with females depositing clutches of up to nine eggs in the sunny, sandy “apron” outside their burrows.

Their half-moon-shaped burrow entrances are signs of healthy upland habitat, especially in places like Circle B Bar Reserve and Hilochee Wildlife Management Area. While tortoises dig burrows year-round, spring marks a shift in purpose – from shelter to nursery.

Young tortoises hatch later in summer with soft shells and face high predation. They often dig shallow starter burrows and hide beneath grasses or shrubs. Spotting one is a rare treat and a reminder of how fragile their future can be. Watch for their smaller burrows along sandy trails like the Van Fleet Trail.

Aerial Nurseries and Night Sounds

By May, birds of all kinds — from mockingbirds to wading birds to owls — have been busy fledging their young for weeks. You may still spot a fluffy, awkward chick perched low on a branch or hopping along the ground, seemingly alone. But don’t worry, this is a normal stage in their development and the parents are likely watching and waiting for you to leave. Unless the chick is in immediate danger (like on a road or being stalked by a predator), it’s best to leave it where it is. Avoid “kidnapping” baby wildlife – leave them where they are.

This is also the time of year when young bald eagles, “teenagers” if you will, begin venturing out in search of their own territory. You might witness dramatic aerial displays as juvenile eagles test their skills and challenge boundaries, sometimes sparring with mature adults already defending a nesting area. These encounters are part of how young eagles learn to navigate the social and spatial dynamics of their species.

Warmer evenings bring an abundance of flying insects and bats take full advantage – foraging intensively to support the energy demands of nursing mothers. Spring marks the start of maternity season, when female bats gather in nursery colonies to give birth and raise their pups. These colonies are often tucked away in tree hollows, old buildings, or even behind loose bark. While pups remain in the roost, mothers make nightly foraging trips – eating thousands of insects to sustain themselves and their growing young.

Also listen for Florida’s cicadas, whose buzzing calls usually begin in March and April. Their rhythmic drone fills the evening air and signals the richness of wildlife activity at dusk. While many people find them annoying or even gross, they are a valuable protein source in our ecosystems for many species.

Get Outside Before the Heat Takes Hold

As our snowbirding neighbors seek respite up north, we Floridians know that summer is still only preheating. May offers a golden window to explore Polk County’s parks and wild places before the summer heat sets in. Whether walking at Circle B, hiking Lake Kissimmee trails, or birdwatching in your backyard, this is a prime time to connect with nature.

Be Prepared When You Go:

· Explore in the morning when wildlife is active and temperatures are cooler

· Bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)

· Stay hydrated: always carry more water than you think you’ll need

· Check the weather before you head out, and watch for fast-moving afternoon storms

· Leave no trace: stash your trash (in a trashcan) and stick to the trails

If you’re curious to learn more or want help identifying what you see outdoors, contact the UF/IFAS Extension Office in Bartow. This is also a prime time to add some wildlife habitat to your yard. Our team can help you deepen your knowledge of Florida’s wildlife and their preferences.