Recent field trip checklists are available at eBird.org
TRIP REPORTS
March 23, 2019
PAINTED BUNTING FEEDER WATCH
The Painted Buntings flew in and out of the feeders as we gazed out the window at the lovely garden. The only word I can use to describe the experience is enchanting. It was challenging to count them, but we estimated about 15, but there could have been more. There were also Indigo Buntings.
Our annual trip to Wakodahatchee Wetlands and Green Cay Nature Center did not disappoint. Eleven birders and photographers observed a total of 64 species. At Wakodahatchee, Wood Stork, Double-crested Cormorant, Anhinga, Great Blue Heron and Green Heron were nesting right by the boardwalk, allowing for great views and photos.
JOE OVERSTREET LANDING, KENANSVILLE, FL
February 9, 2019
We were literally up before the birds in order to be in place roadside at Three Lakes WMA Campground to observe Red-cockaded Woodpeckers leave their roosting tree. Those participants who arrived early saw two of the rare birds leave the roost for the day; nearly everyone in the group got at least brief views of one bird that returned to the area to forage. An additional treat was listening to the “squeaky toy” calls of several Brown-headed Nuthatches in the same habitat.
We had some doubts about how the government shutdown would impact our use of the facilities at Merritt Island, but the birds had no such qualms, showing up en masse for our enjoyment.
The stars of the day were the American Avocet, feeding and moving together in a flock of over 50 birds. The Reddish Egrets proved more elusive; although, with some patience, one did make a nice showing for the photographers in the group.
A small but enthusiastic group of birders kayaked up the south fork of the St. Lucie River in Stuart on Saturday December 8, 2018. The group went 6.4 miles round trip. It was quite an accomplishment to go so far, but the paddling was easy, it was just quite a long distance. Kudos to all the participants of this trip for fortitude and accomplishment. At the halfway point at a camp site, the group gathered at a picnic table and enjoyed lunch.
Twenty species of birds were seen. Two highlights were a yellow crowned night heron and a barred owl.
Saturday, November 11, 2018
PALEO HAMMOCK PRESERVE & C23/C24 RESERVOIR
When we first arrived, it was a little foggy so I was concerned we wouldn’t get to see too many species. But later it turned out to be a beautiful sunny day. We had a group of 10 participants and we saw 36 species at Paleo Hammock. Tim brought us through the hammocks of Paleo Preserve sharing his knowledge about birds. He could identify the many bird species by their call. The trails had beautiful old oaks laden with Spanish moss. Around the oaks there were several song bird species and an abundance of Catbirds calling.
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.
