In order to truly appreciate natural ecosystems, it is important to visit during all seasons of the year. Last week was our first mid-winter visit to Longboat Key, off Sarasota, Florida, and there were surely some unexpected observations.
Due to the effects of our economic downturn, the usual abundance of winter snowbirds, down from Canada, New England and the Upper Midwest, was markedly suppressed. Less expected was the diminished population of their natural cousins; while brown pelicans, ospreys, American white pelicans and cormorants were observed in usual numbers, most other birds, including shorebirds, gulls, terns, herons and egrets, were significantly reduced. Noting the increased number of dead fish on the bay and on the beaches, we wondered if the recent, severe cold had impacted the availability of food, causing the native and wintering flocks to disperse to other areas (especially southward). Then again, having never visited in January, perhaps our observations were in line with typical, seasonal patterns.
While nature's cycles are fairly predictable, local conditions vary widely from year to year and the temporary impact of extreme weather can lead to false conclusions. Regular observations, over many years, are essential to understanding the complex interaction of weather, flora and fauna within our natural ecosystems.
