Scrubby Flatwoods – Friends of The Legacy Trail

Welcome to Sarasota County’s premier The Legacy Trail, which passes through several unique Florida ecosystems. Your framed view is sponsored by Friends of the Legacy Trail (FLT) and is of Scrubby Flatwoods, a habitat characterized by dry, sandy soils and a mix of vegetation adapted to fire-prone conditions. It's called “scrubby” because of the presence of low, often stunted trees and shrubs.

This habitat is maintained by prescribed fire. Because of this, you will find Florida slash pine, and saw palmetto as the dominant vegetation, with patches of wiregrass, gopher apple and other drought-tolerant shrubs and grasses.

Wildlife in this area is quite diverse. One of the largest populations of Florida scrub jay, a rare and endangered bird species resides here. You might also spot various species of reptiles, such as gopher tortoises, as well as other bird species, and insects. Mammals include the endangered bobcat, white-tailed deer, nine-banded armadillo and raccoon.

See below for more species that you can view here:

BIRDS
(Photography copyright Wade Collier)

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)

These are large birds of prey that are well-known for their remarkable fishing abilities, hovering and then diving to catch prey. They are medium to large birds, with a distinctive white head, a dark crown and a white underside. Their wings are long and narrow, and their tail is short and slightly fan shaped. They have sharp, hooked beaks and large talons, which they use to catch fish. Ospreys build large, bulky nests, often in tall trees or on artificial platforms. ↓

Eastern coachwhip snake (Masticophis flagellum)

is a non-venomous snake. They are known for their speed and agility, often darting through vegetation or across open ground. They are slender and often black on the head and neck but fades to tan at the tail. Some coachwhips are uniformly tan in color. They're highly active and can be quite fast—sometimes reaching speeds of 5 to 6 miles per hour, which helps them catch prey or escape predators. They feed on small mammals, birds, and lizards, and even other snakes. They’re also known for their ability to climb and are often seen coiling up trees to hunt birds or their eggs. They are not aggressive to humans unless cornered. ↓

The Legacy Trail traverses through Oscar Scherer State Park, which covers about 1,400 acres of land and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, especially those interested in hiking, birdwatching, and kayaking.

Overall, Oscar Scherer State Park is a peaceful retreat that showcases Florida's natural beauty and wildlife while offering many opportunities for recreation and relaxation, including birdwatching, hiking, wildlife observation and photography.

Oscar Scherer State Park is known for its diverse ecosystems, including mesic flatwoods, scrubby flatwoods, marshes, and wetlands. The park provides a natural habitat for Florida slash pines, which are key to maintaining these ecosystems. These pines are adapted to Florida's frequent fires, which help clear underbrush and provide nutrients for new growth. They also support various wildlife species, including the threatened Florida scrub jay, gopher tortoise and numerous bird species.

Florida scrub jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens)

are the only species of jay that is exclusively found in Florida and Oscar Scherer State Park is one of the best places to see them! These birds are known for being friendly and curious. Their bright blue feathers and striking appearance make them easy to spot. They’re a bit larger than your average jay, with a pale, grayish body and bold blue wings and tail feathers.

This park is especially important because it is part of a larger conservation effort to protect these birds, as they are listed as "threatened" under the U.S. Endangered Species Act due to habitat loss.

What is really interesting about Florida scrub-jays is that they are cooperative breeders. They live in family groups and often have "helpers"—young birds from previous years that stay behind to help raise new chicks. They are highly social, and they also have a distinct call that you can hear when they’re communicating with each other.

The best time to see them is early in the morning or late in the afternoon. It’s important not to feed them, as that can disrupt their natural foraging behavior and their social structure. ↑

Red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus)

is known for its striking appearance, with its reddish-brown feathers on the shoulders and its bold, white-and-brown striped underbelly. They have a distinctive call that sounds like a series of sharp, high-pitched whistles. They prey on smaller birds and even some invertebrates. The hawks typically hunt from a perch, swooping down to catch their prey with precision.

In Oscar Scherer, you might spot them perched high in trees, scanning the ground below, or even see them flying gracefully in search of food. If you're out at dawn or dusk, you're more likely to see them in action since they tend to be more active during these times.

Red-shouldered hawks often nest in tall trees, and if you’re lucky, you might be able to spot a nest, especially during the breeding season (spring). The female lays a few eggs, and both parents take turns incubating and feeding the chicks. ↑

Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

are large, powerful birds of prey, native to North America. They are known for their striking white head and tail, contrasted with a dark brown body and wings. Their beaks and talons are bright yellow, and their eyes are pale yellow, which gives them a distinct, majestic look. Young bald eagles do not get their noble white tail and head until they are about 2 years old. Until then, the head and tail match their brown body. Females are slightly larger than males but are otherwise very similar in appearance. The eagles have a wingspan ranging from 5.9 to 7.5 feet, and weigh anywhere from 6.6 to 14 pounds, making them one of the largest birds of prey in North America.

Bald eagles are carnivores and mainly eat fish, which make up most of their diet. They are skilled hunters and can capture fish with their powerful talons. They also scavenge, taking advantage of carcasses from other animals and, occasionally, hunt small mammals and birds.

They build large nests, called aerie , often high in pine trees. Their nests can be as large as 8 feet across. Females typically lay one to three eggs, which both parents incubate for about 35 days. The chicks fledge (leave the nest) around 10-12 weeks after hatching. ↑

Carolina wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus)

is a small, active songbird. They are small birds, usually around 5–6 inches long. They have a reddish-brown body with a white underside, a distinctive white eyebrow stripe, and a curved beak. Their tail is often held cocked upward.

These wrens are known for their loud, cheerful songs that can be heard in wooded areas, around brush, and in shrubby habitats. Their call is often described as a loud "tea-kettle, tea-kettle, tea-kettle" or "cheer, cheer, cheer." This song can be heard year-round and is often used to establish territory. They're particularly noticeable because of their energetic, inquisitive behavior, hopping around and exploring the lower vegetation and ground. Wrens are active foragers, often hopping around looking for insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates in the leaves or on tree trunks. They tend to be bold and will sometimes approach human activity, though they tend to stay hidden in dense foliage. ↑

Red-bellied woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)

is a striking bird, easily recognizable by its bold markings and distinctive call.

It’s a medium-sized woodpecker, with a white and black striped back, a pale belly (which can have a slight reddish hue, especially on males), and a bright red patch on the back of its head and neck. Despite the name, the red belly can sometimes be subtle, so it's often more noticeable in the males.

They will often be spotted on both live and dead trees, searching for insects and larvae in the bark. Their drumming is another notable behavior – the rapid, sharp tapping is a way of communicating with others, marking territory, and searching for food. If you hear a rhythmic drumming sound, it might be a red-bellied woodpecker working over a tree. They’re also known to make a soft "churr" or "kwirrr" call, which is part of their communication during mating season. ↑

Eastern screech owl (Megascops asio)

is a small, nocturnal bird of prey that is known for its distinctive call, which sounds like a high-pitched tremolo or whistling.

These owls are adaptable and can live in a wide range of environments, from deciduous forests to urban areas, though they prefer areas with mature trees that offer plenty of natural cavities for nesting.

They are quite small, measuring about 6-10 inches in height. They can be gray or reddish in color, with ear tufts on their heads, giving them a “horned” appearance. Despite their name, these owls are not true screech owls, but they do have a range of vocalizations that include trills, whinnies, and the characteristic "screech" call.

They tend to nest in tree cavities, which they may use year-round. They will also use man-made nest boxes. You might also spot them perched on tree branches or tucked away in hollowed-out trunks during the daytime, where they typically roost.

They primarily hunt small mammals, such as mice and insects, and are known to catch birds as well. They tend to hunt at dusk or night, using their keen hearing and exceptional vision to locate prey in low-light conditions. ↑

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)

These are large birds of prey that are well-known for their remarkable fishing abilities. They are medium to large birds, with a wingspan of about 5 feet and typically weigh between 2 and 4 pounds. They have a distinctive white head with a dark crown and a white underside. Their wings are long and narrow, and their tail is short and slightly fan shaped. They have sharp, hooked beaks and large talons, which they use to catch fish.

Ospreys live near bodies of water, including lakes, rivers, coastal bays, and marshes, where fish are abundant. They can be found on every continent except Antarctica.

Their diet primarily consists of fish, which they catch by diving into the water from the air. They are known for their impressive hunting technique, where they hover above the water before diving feet-first to snatch up their prey. Ospreys have special adaptations, such as reversible outer toes and barbed talons, which help them grip slippery fish. Some studies suggest they can catch fish as much as 80% of the time.

Ospreys build large, bulky nests, often in tall trees or on artificial platforms. These nests can become quite large, sometimes reaching up to 10 feet in diameter. They typically lay 2 to 4 eggs, which are incubated for around 5 weeks. Both parents share incubation duties, and once the chicks hatch, both parents take turns feeding them until they are old enough to fledge (leave the nest). ↑

Mourning dove (Zenaida macroura)

are gentle, slender birds are known for their soft, mournful cooing sounds, which is where they get their name. They are distinctive in both their appearance and behavior. They are 12–13 inches long with a wingspan of about 17–24 inches. Their feathers are generally a soft, pale grayish-brown, with a slightly pinkish tint on the chest and underparts. They have a light grayish-blueish color around the face and a faint black crescent on the side of their neck.

They are year-round residents, and you can often spot them perched on tree branches or feeding on seeds in open areas. They're particularly active in the early mornings and evenings, when their soft calls echo through the air.

Their wings are long and pointed with a noticeable white edge or "wingbar" that becomes visible when they fly. One of the most recognizable features is their long, pointed tail, which is edged with white.

Mourning doves are strong, fast fliers. They have a distinctive, soft "whoosh" sound when they take off or fly by, created by the air rushing through their wings.

They are ground feeders, feeding primarily on seeds, including sunflower seeds, millet, and weed seeds. They often forage on the ground, pecking at the dirt.

These birds are often seen in pairs or small groups. They're not particularly territorial but do tend to return to the same locations for feeding and roosting. They are simple nesters, and build nests in trees or shrubs, using twigs and sticks. The nests are often flimsy and shallow, but they are used year after year. A pair of mourning doves might raise multiple broods in a single season.

During mating season, males perform an aerial display, flying in wide, slow loops before landing and puffing out their chest to impress a female. ↑

Gopher tortoise (Gopherus Polyphemus)

are known for their burrowing habits, and Oscar Scherer provides an ideal environment for them. These tortoises spend much of their lives underground in burrows that can be up to 40 feet long. These burrows are incredibly important—not just for the tortoises but for other species as well. Many animals, including rabbits, snakes, and even some birds, take shelter in the tortoises' burrows, making the gopher tortoise a keystone species in these ecosystems.

You might catch sight of the tortoises sunning themselves or moving slowly across the trails. They can be spotted foraging for seeds, grasses, wildflowers and fruits such as the gopher apple.

The gopher tortoise is considered a threatened species in Florida due to habitat loss and other environmental pressures. Fortunately, State, County and local parks like Oscar Scherer State Park and Shamrock Park and Nature Center, play a role in conservation efforts. ↑

Eastern coachwhip snake (Masticophis flagellum)

is a species of non-venomous snake. They are known for their speed and agility, often darting through vegetation or across open ground. Their name "Coachwhip" comes from their long, whip-like tail, which is thin and flexible, similar to a coach whip used by carriage drivers.

Coachwhips are typically slender, with a long, lean body. Often black on the head and neck but fades to tan at the tail, some coachwhips are uniformly tan in color.

They're highly active and can be quite fast—sometimes even reaching speeds of 5 to 6 miles per hour, which helps them catch prey or escape predators. Coachwhips are carnivorous, feeding on small mammals, birds, and lizards, and they can even eat other snakes. They’re also known for their ability to climb and are often seen coiling up trees to hunt birds or their eggs.

While they might appear intimidating due to their speed and long length, Coachwhips are generally not aggressive toward humans. If threatened, they tend to flee rather than fight, although they may bite in self-defense if cornered. ↑

Florida slash pine (Pinus elliottii var. densa)

is a common tree species found in Florida and other southeastern U.S. states. It has long, slender trunks and long needles of 2-3 bundles. They are fast growing and can reach 75-100 feet tall. It is adapted to Florida’s frequent fires and provide nutrients for new growth. It also supports various wildlife species, including bald eagles, woodpeckers and owls. The Florida slash pine is also valued for its wood, which is used in the timber industry, though much of the logging has been regulated to preserve natural habitats . The trees play a crucial role in the park's natural history and are a striking feature of the landscape. ↑

Wiregrass (Aristida beyrichiana)

is a native grass commonly found in upland habitats such as sandhill and pine flatwoods. It is characterized by its low-growing, fire-dependent vegetation and known for tufts of hair at its’ leafbase. This grass thrives in the sandy soils of the region, which are typically poor in nutrients, but it plays an important ecological role in supporting a variety of wildlife species. Wiregrass is a primary food source for gopher tortoises. Birds and small wildlife eat the seeds, and cattle graze on its tender new growth. ↑

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens)

is a small, native shrub that is an important understory plant in Florida's pine forests and scrub habitats. It provides food for a variety of wildlife, including birds, small mammals, and insects. It has fan-shaped fronds, with saw-toothed stems. The plant typically grows low to the ground, often forming dense thickets. It produces small, yellowish-white flowers that insects love, and is known for its dark purple or black berries, which ripen in late summer or fall.

Saw palmetto's role in both the local ecology and human health has made it a notable plant in Florida, blending natural beauty with cultural significance. Today, it is most known for its use in herbal medicine, especially for supporting prostate health in men. ↑

Sand live oak (Quercus geminata)

is a type of oak tree native to the southeastern United States, including Florida. These trees are adapted to grow in sandy, well-drained soils, which is why you’ll often see them in areas with dry, sandy habitats like scrub and coastal forests. They are typically medium-sized trees, ranging from 20 to 50 feet tall. They have a spreading canopy that can provide ample shade. The acorns provide food for wildlife, including birds and squirrels. Birds, mammals and insects often rely on them for food and shelter. They are a key component of Florida’s coastal scrub ecosystems, providing stability to the soil and supporting biodiversity. The dense canopy helps shade out some of the undergrowth, creating a unique habitat. ↑

Myrtle oak (Quercus myrtifolia)

is a standout tree species native to Florida, known for its adaptability to the state’s subtropical climate. These trees are common in sandhill and scrub ecosystems. The trees form a dense, rounded canopy and are somewhat shrubby in appearance, though they can grow to be 15-20 foot tall. Their leaves are small, leathery, and have a shiny or waxy texture. They contribute to the overall ecosystem, by providing cover for wildlife and an acorn food source for birds, insects, and small mammals. ↑

Rusty staggerbush (Lyonia fruticosa)

is a type of evergreen shrub, that can grow up to 6-8 feet tall. It has leathery, dark green leaves and produces small, bell-shaped flowers in clusters, typically white to pinkish, in late spring to early summer. It’s commonly known as staggerbush, because its branches often grow in a way that can appear staggered or uneven. Rust-colored hairs cover the plant’s leaves, stems and trunk and newly emerging leaves have a rusty color as well. It is native to the southeastern United States and can be found in areas like sandy soils, coastal plains, and pine forests. If animals graze on it, the plant can cause a form of poisoning called "staggers," leading to tremors, lack of coordination, and other symptoms. This is due to the presence of toxins in the plant, like grayanotoxins. ↑

Narrowleaf silkgrass (Pityopsis graminifolia)

is a native Florida plant. It gets its name from the long, narrow leaves that have a silky texture and are often silver stems. It produces small, yellow flowers that bloom in late summer and fall. It’s a hardy plant that can handle drought conditions and is important for stabilizing soil in its native habitat. It’s also a key species in some of Florida’s ecosystems because it provides cover for wildlife and helps with soil erosion control.Same edits as above for gopher apple. ↑

Gopher apple (Geobalanus oblongifolius)

is a fascinating native plant that plays a crucial role in the habitat of the Florida gopher tortoise. It is a small shrub that typically grows between 1 to 2 feet tall. It has broad, leathery, and elliptical leaves with a slightly fuzzy texture. It produces small, round, and yellow to orange fruits, which are sweet and edible, though not often consumed by people. The fruits are most noticeable during late summer and fall. The plant is a food source for gopher tortoises, small mammals, birds, and insects. The Gopher apple helps stabilize the sandy soil, preventing erosion in these delicate ecosystems. The species depends on fire management and land conservation to thrive. ↑

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)

are medium-sized mammals that are native to much of North America. You might spot them grazing in the early morning or late afternoon, as these are their more active times. The park provides them with ample cover and food, which makes it an ideal habitat. Adult white-tailed deer have reddish-brown coats in the summer, which turn to a more grayish brown during the winter months. Their tails are usually white on the underside, and they raise them as a warning signal when they feel threatened.

Males, or bucks, typically have antlers, which they shed and regrow each year. These antlers are usually branched and grow larger as the deer ages.

They are generally solitary or found in small family groups, but during the rut (breeding season), bucks can be more visible as they search for mates. ↑

Bobcat (Lynx rufus)

are native to Florida. They are solitary, elusive animals, that thrive in areas with dense vegetation where they can hunt and hide. Known for their short, “bobbed” tail, they are about twice as large as a domestic cat with tan fu and small black spots. Bobcats are well suited in flatwoods, with its mix of pine forests, oak hammocks, and freshwater wetlands, but they can be found in urban areas as well. ,. They are opportunistic predators, feeding on small mammals (like rabbits and squirrels), birds, reptiles, and even the occasional amphibian. Rich wildlife populations provide a reliable food source for these stealthy hunters. While present, bobcats are not often seen due to their nocturnal and solitary nature. They typically roam during dawn and dusk, although they may also be active at night. Visitors to the park are more likely to spot signs of bobcats, such as tracks, scat, or scratch marks on trees, rather than the animals themselves.Bobcats face the usual threats common to wildlife in Florida, including habitat fragmentation and human encroachment. ↑

Eastern cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus)

are quite common and are well-known for their short, cotton-ball-like tail and large ears. The flatlands vegetation provides protection from predators and open spaces for grazing on grasses, herbs, and shrubs. They primarily eat grasses, clovers, herbs, and shrubs, but might also nibble on young woody plants, which are abundant in the park's diverse ecosystem. They tend to feed in the early morning or late evening, which helps them avoid predators.

Breeding season for cottontails starts in early spring and can last into the fall. A female can have several litters per year, each with multiple babies. The young are born blind and helpless but quickly develop and begin to hop around within a few weeks. Their predators include birds of prey like red-shouldered hawks or larger predators like bobcats.

While natural area offers a relatively safe environment, urbanization and human activity can still pose threats. Habitat destruction and fragmentation, as well as the presence of domesticated pets like dogs and cats, can reduce the quality of their habitat and increase the danger to the rabbits.

They are typically most active during dawn and dusk. It’s best to quietly observe them from a distance, as cottontails are very sensitive to movement and will flee if they sense danger. ↑

Nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus)

has a unique, armor-like shell made of bone and a tough, leathery exterior, with distinct bands that allow them flexibility in movement, but cannot curl into a tight ball. The nine bands are visible along the body, and the name comes from the number of these segments. While they can live in a variety of environments, they prefer forests, grasslands, and wetlands. They are often found near water sources because they rely on moist environments for digging and burrowing. They are 12 to 18 inches in body length, with an additional 6 to 9 inches for the tail. Armadillos are mainly nocturnal, emerging at night to forage for food, primarily insects, small invertebrates, and sometimes plants.

Their digging skills are excellent, as they use their strong front claws to dig burrows for shelter. These burrows can be as long as 15 feet.

Armadillos have a unique reproductive strategy, often giving birth to identical quadruplets. They can swim or walk along the bottom of rivers and can hold their breath for up to 6 minutes. Unfortunately, they are often seen as roadkill on the side of the road due to being startled. They can jump 4 to 5 feet in the air, which is good for when they are hunted by prey, but doesn’t work so well around vehicles. ↑

Raccoon (Procyon lotor)

are nocturnal animals, known for their black masks and bushy ringed tail. They are excellent foragers, using their dexterous front paws to open containers or rummage through leaf litter and soil in search of food. They are known for their curious and intelligent behavior, which is why they have earned the nickname "nature's bandits" due to their tendency to get into trash or campsites. While fascinating to watch, please do not feed them. Feeding raccoons or other wildlife can lead to them becoming habituated to humans, which is unhealthy for the animals and can create potential conflicts. ↑

Florida mouse (Podomys floridanus)

is a rare and imperiled species that is found in parts of Florida, primarily found north-central to Highlands and Sarasota County and along the Atlantic coast. It's a small, nocturnal rodent that lives in the scrubby, sandy habitats of the state. It has a yellowish-brown upper body with a white belly. Distinch to the species are five foot pads on each foot.

Upland communities such as mesic and scrubby flatwoods are key areas where the Florida mouse has been found, particularly because it has dry, sandy, and scrubby landscape that this mouse needs for shelter. The Florida mouse is a burrowing species, using tunnels and gopher tortoise burrows for protection from predators and for nesting.

This mouse has a pretty limited distribution, and its population has been declining due to habitat destruction, development, and fire suppression. The mouse thrives in areas with natural fire cycles, because fires help maintain the open, scrubby habitat that the mouse depends on. Without fire, the habitat becomes overgrown and less suitable for the mouse.

Land managers are working to manage the native habitat with controlled burns and other land management techniques to maintain the right environment for these mice. ↑