A snail kite eating a Florida apple snail | Harry Collins Photography

Snail Kite with apple snail. In the wide-open marshes of central Florida, this broad-winged bird glides slowly and low over the sawgrass. It has no need for fast flight, because it seeks only snails -- and only one particular sort, the apple snail. Notice how skillfully it pulls off the snail's operculum (trap door) and deftly plucks the morsel out from inside. Their beak is long and perfectly curved to do the job. This snail is strongly affected by water levels, and drainage of wetlands has hur

Welcome back to Christina’s Conservation Corner 🌿 Right here at Babcock Ranch, Curry Lake’s restoration is already making an impact, with the return of the federally endangered Everglades Snail Kite, a clear sign that thoughtful habitat restoration and long-term stewardship truly work. This is what intentional conservation looks like in action. #BabcockRanch #ConservationCorner #WildlifeStewardship #RestorationWorks #mothernature | Babcock Ranch

A snail kite eating an apple snail in Florida | Harry Collins Photography

A snail kite in Florida | Harry Collins Photography