Bass begin to spawn. Alligators are seen sunning on the banks of the water trails. Wading bird rookeries are active. Prothonotary warblers are common along the cypress-lined waterways. Sandhill crane chicks are hatching, and ospreys are seen feeding young in their high, bulky nests.
Alligators bellow territorial warnings as mating begins.
Many orchids and the unusual insect-eating pitcher plants are blooming. Best month for bass fishing. May The endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers are viewed around their nesting colonies. Florida soft-shell turtles are laying eggs, and raccoons are just as rapidly digging them up and eating them. Turkey poults are seen walking in close procession behind their hen.