Within the tranquil confines of the Drum Bay Nature Preserve, the natural tapestry of life is rich and varied, hosting an impressive array of species that enchant visitors with their presence. The skies above are carefully patrolled by the majestic Peregrine Falcon, the fastest bird in the world, while on the shores, one might spot the scurrying of Ghost Crabs as they dart across the sand. The waters themselves are a refuge for the endangered Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles, which can occasionally be seen during nesting season, and are also home for the playful Bottlenose Dolphins that frolic in the nearby waves. In the quieter corners of the preserve, keen observers may catch a glimpse of the Nine-banded Armadillo foraging, or the rare sight of an ocelot moving like a shadow through the underbrush.
Bird enthusiasts will delight in the presence of migratory marvels such as the Whooping Crane, one of North America’s most iconic endangered birds, and the Black Skimmer, with its unique lower mandible that slices through the water as it flies. The marshes echo with the distinctive call of the Clapper Rail, while overhead, the Red-shouldered Hawk glides on warm air currents searching for prey. Meanwhile, in the lush grasses, Eastern Cottontail Rabbits emerge at dusk and dawn to feed, and on occasion, one might even witness the lumbering gait of an American Badger, a testament to the preserve’s diverse and thriving ecosystem.
