Ferrell Outdoors

27/07/2025

After a period of reflection, we've been focusing on wellness, perspective, and planning ahead. Nature has proven to be our greatest teacher and healer, offering the ideal space for contemplation and growth. Our own backyard serves as a daily wildlife theater—from our back porch alone, we observe red-shouldered hawks making their rounds, armadillos shuffling through the underbrush, grey squirrels at play, snakes navigating their territory, colorful butterflies dancing among the plants, busy insects going about their work, anoles sunning themselves, and countless other birds. All of this unfolds in a single day right outside our door.
We invite you to join our weekly journey as we share insights about Florida's rich ecosystems, document our adventures both within the state and beyond, and explore the world from a naturalist's perspective.

04/06/2025

Join us for this free event!

31/05/2025

We recently visited Congaree National Park in South Carolina, known for its vast old-growth bottomland hardwoods. The park is home to the tallest known Loblolly Pine and Sweetgum, as well as over two dozen champion trees. Located in the floodplain of the Congaree and Wateree Rivers, its diverse ecosystem supports a wide range of plant and animal life. During our visit, we heard a Barred Owl and saw various woodpeckers, songbirds, and other wildlife. With elevated boardwalks, canoe trails, and Dark Sky Park status, and firefly viewing, Congaree offers a unique and immersive experience in nature.

15/04/2025

Prescribed burns are an essential part of land and wildlife management in Florida! Here are some random but interesting and useful facts about them: ✨

Many species, like the gopher tortoise and red-cockaded woodpecker, thrive in areas that experience regular burns. The fire clears out invasive species and provides a habitat for wildlife. 🐢

By burning off dry vegetation in a controlled environment, prescribed burns help reduce the amount of fuel for potential wildfires, ultimately preventing larger, uncontrolled fires. 🔥

Prescribed burns are a win-win for Florida’s land and wildlife! 🌿🔥

🔗 For more information, click here: https://www.sjrwmd.com/lands/management/prescribedfire/

13/04/2025

Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge after the burn. Green is sprouting up all over. It’s amazing how quickly nature regenerates.

10/04/2025

10/04/2025

Safety on the trail is essential. Starting with a plan before you go is a great start.

Safe in the Woods Guide Workbook: 20 Easy to Learn Lessons

https://a.co/d/iTAhruO

08/04/2025

Continuing on with the nightjar survey. Last night we made our 10 stops. The areas with housing and open land were void of nightjars. Interestingly enough, the area of Tiger Bay was the destination after the initial first stops. Entering the area devoid of houses there was a chorus of barred owls and CWWs. Beautiful and wonderful. Even spotted CWWs on the rural road. Tonight is overcast with tomorrow evening expected to be the same so will wait until Wednesday night to continue the survey.