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| Old world species first reported in the late 19th century in South America. Often seen following grazing herds eating insects disturbed by the animals hoofs. This species rarely eats fish is frequently seen on fairways at Turnbull Bay. No other small white heron (20”) has a yellow bill. During the breeding season adults often display a buff color on their crown, back and chest. | This bird is one of our most common herons at Turnbull Bay. They are very slender and agile. Some will seem to swim along the shoreline as they forage in water to the tops of their long legs. Tricolor herons are gray-blue; 25 to 30” and have a brownish red or tawny (Rufous) neck. | ||
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| This is the official reptile of the state of FL. Beethoven is the official reptile of Turnbull Bay. An eight-foot gator that makes frequent visits to the island on hole nine. Nothing gives a sense of environmental antiquity like the sight of this large lizard. The reptiles especially delight new residents. Few people know that the temperature at which alligator eggs develop determine their sex - hotter for males - cooler for females! | This bird is the most colorful visitor to our community. Plumage during the breeding season can be bright red or even magenta over the shoulders. Legs and eyes are red. The pinkish bird is 30” tall with a long spatula shaped bill. The tail is a tawny orange color. Their diet is primarily small fish. | ||
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| Ospreys (“fish hawk”) visit the lakes and Bays of Turnbull every day. They hunt by hovering high above the water to spot fish and then plunge down with talons extended. Short spines on their toes help them grip their slippery prey. Mature birds are 21 to 24” high. Most recognizable is the white head with a brown stripe across the eye. Golfers often hear their loud chirping. | Two large colonies of these endangered species are protected along the Links of Turnbull Bay. Residents love these gentle herbivores as they frequently wander into yards. This land tortoise digs burrows up to 40 feet long and ten feet deep. Many other creatures depend on these tunnels to survive. The turtles are drab looking with back legs like an elephant. A full-grown specimen can be up to sixteen inches long. Watch for them on sunny days along holes 12 and 13. | ||
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| Only early risers and those with first tee times consistently see this elusive creature. Doris Leeper Preserve and Spruce Creek Park both have indigenous herds. However like our boar, otter and bobcat these creatures are shy and rarely seen. Be especially vigilant by holes seven and eight. | These large birds stir ones imagination. The Florida turkey or Osceola is the smallest of the species it rarely exceeds 18 pounds. Named after a famous Indian chief it seems natural that they would inhabit Turnbull Bay’s many preserves. Stealthy and camouflaged these birds are heard more often than they are seen. | ||
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| These large prehistoric looking birds always draw attention. The storks stand up to four feet tall have a five and a half foot wing-span and no feathers on their dark vulture-like heads. These birds are on the endangered species list yet common in Turnbull Bay. Since they have no muscles attached to their voice box they represent the perfect neighbor. |
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