Weldon B Lewis/Ancient Oaks Preserve/Citrus Hammock Preserve
Field Trip Report, October 13, 2018
It was slightly overcast, but cool by Florida standards. We had a total of eight participants. Before we started our venture, there appeared a Pileated Woodpecker landing on a branch right out in the open, giving us some good photo opportunities.
We started our walk down the Ancient Oaks Preserve Trail. It was quiet at first. The little song birds seemed to be hiding, but as we continued, some of the little ones made their presence high up in the trees, delighting the participants.
At Citrus Hammock Preserve, we manage to see a few wading birds and an alligator swimming sneakily on the water. While we were there, we had more small song bird activity including Blue-gray Gnatcatchers and a Downy Woodpecker. The woodpecker was not bothered by our presence giving us more photo opportunities. Also spotted, was an unidentified Buteo species that looked very much like a Broad-winged Hawk soaring way up. He was gone before we could get a photo. It was a very nice and enjoyable day.
Thanks to Linda for sharing the awesome photos. See below for a complete list of bird species.
Check out ebird.org - Explore Data - Explore Hotspots -Weldon B Lewis/Ancient Oaks Preserve and Citrus Hammock Preserve.
Report Submitted by Adella Blacka, Photos Courtesy of Linda Sullivan
Ancient Oaks Preserve, 10 species
Red-Bellied Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
Fish Crow
Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher
Gray Catbird
American Redstart
Northern Parula
Pine Warbler
Citrus Hammock Preserve 21 species
Great Egret
Little Blue Heron
Tricolored Heron
White Ibis
Anhinga
Black Vulture
Osprey
Buteo Species unconfirmed -Broad-winged Hawk
Red-Bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Common Gallinule
Sandhill Crane
Blue Jay
Fish Crow
Gray Catbird
Brown Thrasher
Northern Mockingbird
Northern Cardinal
Pine Warbler
Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher
Boat-tailed Grackle