Wildlife Corner Photo & Article By Barbara Ann Comer Vultures are Florida's clean-up crew. At Lake Ashton we have both Turkey Vultures (above) and Black Vultures (left); and they can be seen soaring high above on thermals. On the ground they appear large and homely. The Turkey Vulture gets its name from a vague resemblance to a Wild Turkey with its red head and large body. In flight it can be identified by its two-toned wing pattern held in a shallow V (right). The Black Vulture has a black head and appears to be wearing formal white gloves in flight (left); its white legs and feet are easily visible when perched. The Turkey Vulture is the larger of the two. The Black Vulture has a shorter tail and shorter, broader wings. The Turkey Vulture rocks side to side in flight seldom flapping whereas the Black Vulture does a lot of flapping with short glides. Both feed on carrion and Black Vultures scavenge in garbage dumps. WHAT FISH ARE LIVING IN LAKE ASHTON PONDS? Many Lake Ashton residents enjoy fishing in the community's ponds. Because of the frequency of herbicide and fertilizer treatments that may cause run-off into the ponds, the district has a catch and release policy for all fish caught. Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, channel catfish, and Tilapia are the most common fish species in ponds. Largemouth Bass are fun to catch and are a popular sport fish in the community. These fish are predators that need a lot of small fish to eat in order to stay healthy and grow. A Bluegill is an example of a prey species. Tilapia is an invasive fish native to Africa. This species is a warm-water fish that cannot survive in water temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Residents may notice dead Tilapia along their pond's shore line during cold spells. If there are any questions or concerns, email Matt Fisher at mfisher@lakeashtoncdd.com. WILDLIFE ALERT - WATCH FOR ALL IGATORS Alligator courtship typically begins in early April, with mating occurring between May and June. Residents may notice male gators lifting their tails high and slapping the water with their jaws to create vibrations throughout the water during mating season. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reminds residents to be cautious when having fun in and around water. The FWC recommends keeping pets away from the water. FWC's Nuisance Alligator Hotline: 866.FWC.GATOR (392-4286). They will give you a reference number that will need to be provided to staff at the Clubhouse if the alligator is in a body of water in Lake Wales or to staff at the HFC if in a body of water in Winter Haven. Alligators and crocodiles are an important part of Florida's heritage and play a valuable role in the ecosystems where they live. Remember, it is illegal to feed or harass alligators. • Always give these reptiles a respectful distance — at least 10 feet — and always leave them alone. • Alligators are nocturnal (more active at night). After dark, avoid fresh and brackish bodies of water, though alligators sometimes lurk in salt water. Unprovoked bites will often occur at the edge of the water. • Never feed alligators; it encourages them to lose their natural fear of people. • Small animals, like pets, and small children are generally more at risk than large adults. • Female alligators protect their nests by hissing and opening their mouths; this does not mean they are preparing to attack. • Alligators under four feet in length are not considered a threat to humans. 15
16 Publizr Home