Influencer I
The lakes, expansive prairie and pine Flatwoods, and other diverse habitats create ample opportunities for wildlife viewing. White-tailed deer, gray squirrel, Sherman’s fox squirrel, gopher tortoise, armadillo, raccoon, and feral hog are common. Butterflies are abundant, especially in the fall.
The area is a site on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail and is particularly good for birders - many common and rare species are found here. Bald eagles, crested caracaras, sandhill cranes, red-shouldered hawks, wild turkeys, northern bobwhites and eastern meadowlarks are often heard or spotted. The oaks and pines are excellent for songbirds, particularly during migration. Three Lakes is part of the highest concentration of bald eagle nests in the contiguous United States. More than 150 active nesting territories are found around the inland lakes of Osceola and Polk counties.
The federally endangered red-cockaded woodpecker nests in cavities in pines. An area with active nest cavities is located near Canoe Creek Road; look for pine trees marked with a band of white paint. Watch for the birds at dawn and dusk when they are most active. Keep at least 70-80 feet (the length of a semi-trailer truck) from these trees to avoid disturbing the birds, particularly during the April to July nesting period. Similarly, use binoculars or a spotting scope to observe the Florida grasshopper sparrow. The population of this federally endangered inhabitant of the dry prairie is critically low and any kind of disturbance may affect their nesting and feeding behaviors.
