Photo from Norm Berger

Come enjoy the fresh air and fun environment at Estero Country Club. Did you know, that ECC is a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, an Audubon International program.

“Estero Country Club has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program. They are to be commended for their efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property,” said Jim Sluiter, Staff Ecologist for the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Programs.

The green and lush landscape of southwest Florida belongs to all of us; creatures large and small. We are lucky enough to be sharing our lives in one of the most beautiful places in the world. We believe it’s not only our duty, but our responsibility to do what we can to ensure the sustainability of our course and community. After all, some of the most elegant and rare animals are our next door neighbors!

Here are a few of the wildlife that has been spotted at Estero Country Club! Have you seen any of these critters?

Alligator Snapping Turtle: One of the world’s largest freshwater turtles (22″); occurs in panhandle; has bumpier carapace keels and heavier beak; lacks tail keels.

Bald Eagle: Flies with slow deliberate wingbeats, wings held flat, straight out with primaries spread. Sits on tall trees. Coast, inland waterways. Resident in FL; in summer many disperse northward out of state.

Bobcat: Orange-brown in summer, paler grayish in winter; black spots and bars on legs and rear. Stalks and ambushes small mammals and birds at night. Habitat: woods, scrub, swamps. Activity: nocturnal, year round.

Common Gray Fox: Habitat: Wooded and brushy areas. Activity: day or night, but secretive; year-round.

Corn Snake: Slender, head larger than neck; scales large. Caution: coils like rattler when cornered; will bite. Habitat: woods, open areas, farms, old buildings, trash piles.

Coyote: Runs up to 40 mph. 20th century invader from west United States. Only large carnivore to persist in heavily settled areas. Habitat: woods, brush, fields. Activity: mainly nocturnal, year-round.

Eastern Fox Squirrel: Young remain in leaf nest for 2 months. Habitat: mixed woods, especially oak, pine, hickory, cypress; mangroves. Activity: by day, year-round. Range: all FL.

Great Horned Owl: Owls fly silently; their feathers are delicately fringed and very soft. Habitat: woods, parks. Range: resident in FL.

Louisiana (tri-colored) Heron: Fishes by slow stalking and wild running pursuit in shallow water. Nests in colonies, with other species. Habitat: salt and fresh water mudflats and marshes; swamps; meadows. Range: resident in FL.

Northern River Otter: Swims rapidly, stops with head raised out of water. Eats fish, frogs, turtles, muskrats. Runs well on land; loves to exercise and play. Habitat: clean rivers, wood-edged ponds and lakes. Activity: day and night, year-round

Red-Bellied Woodpecker: Flight reveals large white spot in black primaries, white rump. Habitat: open woods, towns. Range: resident in FL.

Find Wildlife in Your Yard Today!

Are you a resident bird watcher? Do you love seeing critters out in their natural habitat? Become a member of Estero Country Club and never miss another animal! Feel free to contact us and get exclusive services, events, and friendly sport competition by joining our community today!