BIRDING EASTERN FLORIDA - 2008

February 5, 2008 – Okeechobee, FL

On the road at 7:30 AM from Ocala to the Ocala National Forest. Again, early morning dense fog limited road birding. For whatever reason, we couldn’t find the forest road recommended by the Birder’s Guide, so we chose Forest Road 588 at random. It was pretty good. From the initial turn we saw Brown Thrasher, and over the next quarter mile picked up Eastern Towhee, Blue-grey Gnatcatcher, Grey Catbird and Carolina Chickadee.

We drove next to the Yearling Trail, reportedly “good” for Florida Scrub-jays. It is terrific for the jays, Walking only as far as a mile, we saw dozens, along with nice views of a Red-headed Woodpecker and the usual scrub birds. However, it was extremely hot and humid, and we ended the walk courting heat exhaustion.

Next we went to Alexander Spring, one of Florida’s super springs. It was okay, and an impressive amount of water, but crowded and noisy. Not many birds.

For there we headed to Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge. Exceptionally fine birding, even in the late afternoon, comparable to Merritt Island or Blue Heron in terms of number and diversity of birds. Terrific views of Soras, possibly a migrating flock. A long, pleasant walk with Black Vultures seriously underfoot at the far corner by the observation tower. We saw but couldn’t identify a water snake.  

Lastly, we stopped at Blue Springs. The birding wasn’t much, but we did pick up life Manatees. Afterwards, we drove all the way down to Okeechobee and a Holiday Inn Express. Dinner along the way at Chili’s in Orlando. Traffic was pretty bad, and another tollway. Probably the most tired I’ve been on the trip.