The Trailblazer

As the face of the 2023 - 2024 Hillsborough County Hiking Spree , the roseate spoonbill ( Platalea ajaja ) has captured the attention of both seasoned hikers and casual trail-goers with their flamboyant plumage and curiously shaped bill. The spoonbill can be seen at several of the trails featured on the Spree, but there is more to this species than a pretty face! One might initially liken the spoonbill's bill to that of a duck, but a deeper dive into their biology and behavior paints a vastly different story. Ducks, particularly dabbling varieties, come equipped with a specialized structure known as "lamellae." These comb-like formations allow them to sieve and filter food particles from water. The roseate spoonbill, however, has evolved a different tool for survival. Their bill, broad and flat with a distinct spoon-like tip, lacks the filtering lamellae. The roseate spoonbill's bill spins an entirely different evolutionary tale. Top left: Mallard Duck; Top Right: Ame...

  Whether you go hiking, riding, bird watching or kayaking in our conservation parks, you may not have had the opportunity to speak with our staff. More than 140 staff members staff and manage Hillsborough County's Conservation Parks and Nature Preserves, which are spread out throughout our county. This is an opportunity to meet and learn about the people who work hard to keep the County's conservation parks and nature preserves thriving and beautiful for all to enjoy. Our staff do everything from mowing and fence construction to prescribed fire, invasive species removal, ecological restoration, guided programs and more! Ray Dominguez joined the CELM department in July of 2022. Previously, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science at the University of South Florida. Like many of us, Ray was not entirely sure what he wanted to do, or COULD do, after graduating. He found himself joining an AmeriCorps trail crew, and before he knew it, he received his certificatio...

  For October, I wanted to get us all in the mood for the spooky season and write about cryptids. I wanted to write about the mysterious skunk-ape, or Nessie, or the mothman! However, while our messages are meant to be about education (and learning about cryptids is fun), they are also about conservation. We certainly can’t spread a message of conservation while talking about animals rarely seen and with little evidence of their existence – right?  I ask you to take my hand and trust me as we continue along this haunted trail. What Are Cryptids Cryptids are animals that some people believe may exist in the wild, but whose present existence is disputed or unsubstantiated by science. The study of cryptids is called cryptozoology and is considered pseudoscience. For some cryptozoologists, it’s a thing approached with skepticism and whimsy just as much as a seriousness of trying to find “truth” by blending folklore and mythology with scientific methodology. 'Bigfoot' sighti...

It's almost time for the 2023-2024 Hillsborough County Hiking Spree! This year's event is going to be better than ever with new trails, guided hikes, exclusive swag, and more! Each year, the Hiking Spree highlights approximately 25 trails throughout Hillsborough County to help residents explore our wild side. Hikers can choose from short, paved trails to long, rustic trails and everything in between. When you #TakeAHikeHC at eight or more trails, you'll earn a limited-edition patch or medallion as a reward! Dog owners are encouraged to bring along their four-legged hiking companions, and all dogs who complete the Spree will earn their very own bandana. Rewards feature a species that calls Hillsborough County home, and this year we're featuring the Roseate Spoonbill ( Platalea ajaja).  To stay in the know about the Hiking Spree, visit HCFLGov.net/HikingSpree and watch for updates in the Trailblazer and on social media. Save the date for our Kickoff Event the first week...

Spooky, scary skeletons show up in October for Halloween - but are they accurate to the real animals they depict?     Can you match the Halloween skeleton to the actual animal?    Print this image     Answer Key  

 

As temperatures drop in Hillsborough County, Florida, more visitors head to the Nature Preserves during the early evenings. Florida is known for its beautiful sunsets, but as night falls, the distinct sounds of its wildlife become more evident. The usual suspects make their presence known, with frogs, owls, and insects all sounding off. But, there are some Hillsborough County residents whose calls can startle the unsuspecting. My own curiosity has led me to research these nocturnal sounds over the years. Here are several of the most common and distinctive: A shrieking cry, echoing as a call and response across the water. This sharp cry, often reverberating along the Hillsborough River, belongs to the Limpkin  ( Aramus guarauna ). These large, cryptic birds are often impossible to spot in the dark. Males use these calls to define their territories and beckon potential mates. A limpkin in Lettuce Lake Conservation Park. Photo submitted by Alana Thevenet. If you come across these ...