As with many people who live in Florida, Andrew Furman is a transplant, who at first did not recognize that this state has its own unique attributes and distinctive natural history beyond the popular perceptions of swampland and alligators. Each chapter of this book focuses on a particular type of Florida fauna or flora, imbued with the personal touch of Furman's real learning experience.

The field of the microscope -- Live Oak -- Coontie -- Fishing in the dark -- Accidentals happen -- Snooking -- Neighboring gardens -- Burrowing owls -- Heat -- Snail kite -- The tale of a Cuban immigrant -- Geiger tree -- On stealing fruit -- Spot-breasted oriole -- A trip to Venus -- Painted bunting -- Squirrel matters -- Thoreau in Florida -- Ivory-billed woodpecker -- Bluefish -- Our suburban screech owls -- Epilogue: an evening walk, December 16, 2012.