Monique Rodriguez
@citizenpress
Florida-based environmental writer and citizen journalist focused on wildlife, ecosystems, and conservation issues across local communities.
Rain didn’t stop the wildlife. This morning, a squirrel, Blue Jay, and Mourning Doves were out in the drizzle. Central Florida nature always adapts. 🐿️🪶🌿
Alligator, alligator.. what do you see? I see a brand new community storm retention pond waiting for me! 🐊 Is just the way things are here in Central Florida.
A healthy flock of Muscovy ducks thriving in our suburban habitat. #muscovy #divkd #conservation #wildlife #floridawildlife
Garden Crasher Alert! 😂 This bold Cattle Egret just showed up in my backyard like he owns the place. I think he was looking for cows among the caladiums! “Sorry buddy, the only ‘herd’ here is my wild collection of pink-veined leaves and cacti. No free pest-control buffets today!” #floridawildlife
Dragonflies: Guardians of Florida’s Ecosystem: The vibrant Scarlet Skimmer (Crocothemis servilia) and the striking Common Whitetail (Plathemis lydia) aren’t just beautiful additions to the landscape, they are essential players in the delicate balance of our stormwater ponds and wetlands.
🌿 Bird of the Day: Common Grackle in Central Florida! Caught this handsome fellow singing his heart out in the trees today. Those iridescent blues and purples really pop in the Florida light! #floridabirds #grackles #conservation #wildlife
A burst of pure red in the Florida greens ❤️ Northern Cardinal doing what he does best. 🐦✨
A little slice of Florida life in one video today—Sandhill Cranes moving calmly through the scene while White Ibis and Grackles add their own energy and contrast. It’s always fascinating to see how different species share the same space. #Floridabirds #whiteibis #wildlife
Devoted sandhill crane parents gently guide their little ones peck by peck, lesson by lesson. 🌾 Watching these tiny chicks learn how to forage for themselves is a reminder that in nature, survival is taught with patience and care. 🐥🩶 #SandhillCranes #FloridaWildlife #Birding #BabyBirds
Anhinga sunbathing 🖤🌿 Love this pose—neck twisted, wings drying, just soaking up the Florida sun after a dive. Who else loves this pose? #Anhinga #Waterbirds #BirdsOfBlueSky #BirdPhotography #BirdWatching #WildlifePhotography #NatureLovers #BirdsOfFlorida
Today is Endangered Species Day 🌿 A reminder of the wildlife we risk losing—and the people working to protect it. Conservation isn’t abstract; it’s happening every day through habitat protection, research, and advocacy. Photo credit: Wexor Tmg (Unsplash) #endangeredspecies #savetheturtles #wildlife
This little squirrel came right up to my husband, darting along the edge like it was playing a game of hide and seek. It’s amazing how wildlife still finds ways to surprise us and remind us they share these landscapes. #WildlifeEncounters #FloridaWildlife #SquirrelsOfBluesky #AnimalBehavior
🎉 Big win! Just earned my Certificate in Environmental Journalism from the Thomson Foundation. Grateful for the hands-on training in storytelling, sourcing & covering conservation stories. 📰🌍🦥 Thanks @thomsonfoundation.bsky.social #EnvironmentalJournalism #ThomsonFoundation #JournalismNow
🦅 Just had a beautiful encounter in Ocala National Forest! This juvenile Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) was calmly perched right above the trail, watching everything. Who else loves spotting raptors in Ocala? #Birding #OcalaNationalForest #FloridaWildlife #RedShoulderedHawk #NaturePhotography
🌍 Tomorrow is World Migratory Bird Day! 🐦✨ Every spring and fall, millions of birds embark on incredible journeys across continents—traveling thousands of miles to breed, and survive. But they face growing threats: habitat loss, climate change, and more. #WorldMigratoryBirdDay #EveryBirdCounts
When god-like AI systems optimize the planet, will any living thing matter? Animals have no voice now — what happens in AI’s future? Article dropping soon. #wildlife #AI #conservation #WhatAboutTheAnimals #AIsafety
Florida opens black bear hunting season Dec 6–28, 2025. They say “only 40 bears.” We say even ONE is too many. We stopped this hunt once. We’re doing it again — NOW. Speak up. Share. Flood FWC. #StopTheBearHunt #NoBearHunt2025 #SaveFloridasBears #FloridaBlackBears #BearLivesMatter #EndTrophyHunting
All this beauty, no DSLR needed. Just a phone, Tahoe, and golden hour. #floridalakes #floridaecology #floridasunsets
Look at this little fluffball! A baby white egret peeks out of its nest, all soft downy feathers and curious eyes — nature’s tiniest explorer. #BabyEgret #WhiteEgret #BirdWatching #BirdPhotography #WildlifePhotography #NatureLovers
This serene shot of Lake Tohopekaliga (or “Toho” to us locals) captures that perfect Florida melancholy—storm clouds brewing over the palms and reeds, like the sky’s whispering secrets before the rain. Who’s ready to chase bass or just chase the horizon? #LakeToho #FloridaWild #StormySunset
Recognized by its white feathers and bright red bill, the American white ibis plays a key role in keeping wetland ecosystems healthy.” #SkyBlue #WildFlorida
Florida is heaven for nature lovers. Wildlife in every neighborhood—even a small one! Proof: This sign at Celebration Lakeside Park, a local neighborhood spot in Kissimmee—hogs, raccoons, opossums (rattlesnake-proof!), armadillos, foxes & turkeys, yes turkeys! 🐾 #FloridaWildlife #urbanwilderness
Soaking in the rustic vibes of Florida’s countryside with this charming goat! 🐐 Amid the urban sprawl, these rural pockets keep the heart of the state alive. #FloridaCountry #GoatLove #RuralLife
Love this Boggy Creek sign—Florida’s wild beauty with a bite! 🌿🐊 Snapped near Orlando: “Alligators and snakes in area—stay away, don’t feed!” Airboat tours might be the safest way to spot those cottonmouths. Got a close-call story? Drop it below!#FloridaWildlife #Alligators #StayWild #Cottonmouth
Standing with wildlife, inspired by Jane Goodall’s wisdom: ‘Only if we understand, will we care. Only if we care, will we help. Only if we help, shall we be saved.’ Let’s protect our planet’s future! 🐻❄️❄️ #JaneGoodall #WildlifeConservation #Wildlife #PolarBear #SaveThePlanet #WildlifeProtection
A baby limpkin explores the shallow waters of a Florida marsh, its downy feathers and curious eyes capturing the delicate beginnings of a life perfectly adapted to the wetlands. #BabyLimpkin #FloridaWildlife #BirdPhotography #WildlifeConservation #BirdsofFlorida Photo Credit © Monique Rodriguez
Alligators bask beneath the Florida sun at Boggy Creek Park, a familiar sight for Floridians, yet awe-inspiring for visitors. #FloridaWildlife #BoggyCreek #WildFlorida #NaturePhotography #Photojournalism #WildlifeReport #FloridaEcosystems #NatureFeature
Did You Know? Squirrels have highly flexible ankles that can rotate approximately 180 degrees, enabling them to grip tree bark and descend head-first with agility. Isn’t that so cool? 🐾🐿️ #SquirrelVibes #SquirrelLife #TreeAcrobat #SquirrelVibes
Once hunted for its delicate plumes, the Snowy Egret now thrives across Florida’s wetlands — a graceful reminder of nature’s resilience. #SnowyEgret #FloridaWildlife #NaturePhotography #BirdWatching #Wetlands #WildFlorida #NatureLovers #WildlifeConservation #BeautifulBirds #AvianBeauty