Observations by bonsall_j_12

The bird stood about s feet tall, from head to tail. It was fully black, head, feathers, and feet. There were no feathers on the head and neck region. It had a hunch in its neck when it perched itself on the trees or rail. There were several other similar birds around. They were eating a dead carcass when discovered. None of them opened their wings to be observed while they were being watched. The location is an undeveloped acre of land along a road.

Based on the morphological characteristics and location of discovery, it is very likely these birds are black vultures. The beak and head shape, along with the lack of feathers is a big indicator. Also, the iconic hunch in the neck. This would be phylum Chordata.
Source:
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black_Vulture/id

This bird stood about 18 inches tall. It had a blue-grey color for most of the feathers. The legs had a yellow tint, and the beak was grey-black. The beak was long and slender, attached to a small head with a long neck. The legs were also quite long compared to the body. There were three toes on the front of each foot and one off the back. This animal was spotted near a Wells Fargo bank parking lot. There were many residential trees around.

Based on the morphological characteristics and the location of discovery, it is very likely this bird is a Little Blue Heron. The feather color, physical proportions, and location match this species. Additionally, due to the color it would be an adult Little Blue Heron as juvenile versions have white feathers. This would be in phylum Chordata.
Source: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Little_Blue_Heron/id

This specimen was about 7 in. in diameter, with several shoots originating from a central point. The inner most region had a dark grey green color, while the outer portions were closer to grey brown. The overall structure of the organism was round with the root like structures only present at the center of the plant. There were several sporophyte structures found on the ends of the gametophyte. It appears they may have already launched the spores as none were noted to be left on the moss. This specimen was found on the East side of the USF Tampa campus, on a small tree. There were many other similar organisms around on the same tree as well as neighboring trees.

According to Atlas of Florida Plants, the characteristics match those of the ball moss. A circular like organism with root like structures only at the center. A greyish color, with small flower like sporophytes. It is also in the correct geographical location, as well. Phylum: Bryophyta
Source
https://florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=2829

This organism has a unique camouflage pattern of various brown and tan stripes running perpendicular over its body. The wings were stowed flat, and formed a triangular shape. They measured about one inch across. There was an U-shape upward bend in the abdominal segment. There appeared to be no antenna present on the organism. Six walking legs were found. The location of this observation is on the wall of an apartment complex. There is about half an acre of undeveloped land around the property. The wall was facing the outside, and not in a hallway or other semi-enclosed space.

Based on the morphological characteristics and location of discovery, it is very likely this is a Lettered Sphinx. Some significant features of identification include; the upward curve in the abdomen, the camouflage pattern, the shape of the wings, and the seemingly absent antennas. Source: https://www.insectidentification.org/insect-description.asp?identification=Lettered-Sphinx-Moth

The organism was found on the bank of the Hillsborough River. This habitat was located within a forest of the Hillsborough State Park. The plant stood about 16 in. off the ground at its highest point. It had several stalks, originating from a single point, containing one large single flat green leaf on the end. There were several flowering segments appearing, with little round bunches of purple flowers, shaped like the head of a cattail. The pedals were no fulling open yet.

Based on the size and shape of the leaves and flowers, this plant seems to match the descriptions of a pickerelweed, scientific name: Pontederia cordata L. Heart shaped smooth leaves, with small purple flowers stacked on a single stem. The location is also within the normal range of this organism.

This would be according to Atlas of Florida Plants. Phylum: Anthophyta
Reference
https://florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/plant.aspx?ID=3688&display=photos