More to Explore

This is the end of the guided tour, but there is plenty left to explore in the Sanctuary. The fire line to your left leads into more scrub habitat. Watch and listen for other common birds such as Eastern Towhee, Swallow-tailed Kite, Black Vulture, and Bobwhite. Keep an eye out for Gopher Tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) too.

A hatchling Gopher Tortoise can fit in the palm of a child's hand, while adults are closer in size to a large dinner plate. Their shell is yellow-brown and bumpy when young, becoming browner and smoother over time. Over 350 species use Gopher Tortoise burrows as either temporary shelter or shared living space. For this reason, Gopher Tortoises and their burrows are both protected by law.

When you're ready to head out, follow the trail marker directly in front of you back to the parking lot.