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| Bachman's Sparrow |
It didn't take long to find this one in a Pine Tree just above us. Bachman's Sparrows can be quite elusive, however, they are generally easier to spot this time of year as they show their faces while singing to one another. Bachman's Sparrows typically dwell in pine woodlands, which are found readily at this preserve.
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| Pine Warbler |
Pine Warblers and Brown-headed Nuthatches are also common dwellers at this location. We saw quite a few of each of these species on this trip.
The Red-cockaded Woodpeckers, however, continued to elude me, but I'll be back! We were able to find several Downy and Red-bellied Woodpeckers. The hiking continued later in the week at the Cruickshank Sanctuary, our favorite place to visit the Florida Scrub Jays!
Tons of water lilies are blooming in the small creek near the entrance. I liked the way the early morning sun was shining on this pair.
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| Florida Scrub-Jay |
We see this same Scrub-Jay every time we visit the sanctuary. It's easy to identify this one due to its bill deformity~unless there is more than one, but I don't believe that to be the case. We are considering giving him a name, any suggestions?
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| Monk Parakeet (aka Quaker Parrot) |
This Monk Parakeet took us by surprise when it flew in and landed on a branch above us. This was the first I've seen here, but there are a few colonies of these feral birds in Central Florida. South Florida has a larger population of them.
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| Northern Mockingbird |
Young Mockingbirds are every where!
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| Northern Bobwhite |
Ran into Mr. (Bob)White; always a pleasure!
