BIRDING EASTERN FLORIDA - 2008

February 9, 2008 – Orlando, FL

The last day of birding was pretty mediocre. We found a Starbucks – this part of Florida is seriously under-caffeinated – which delayed our start a bit.

We tried the fabled Zellwood Muck Farms, but that area of Lake Apopak is undergoing extensive environmental restoration and is fenced, gated and locked. Suburban sprawl has encroached on the rest of it. Disappointing, although we did find Common Ground Dove, a trip bird, perched on the fence around a power substation. The route takes you through a part of Orlando that caters to a different, less wholesome kind of visitor than those that Mess with the Mouse.

Next to Wekiwa Springs State Park, where it was late morning on a warm Saturday and the park was being “heavily utilized” by non-birders. That pretty much excludes birders; multiple use can only cope with so many screaming kids and skulking teenagers.

Finally to Mead Gardens, where the butterfly gardens are supposed to pull in hummingbirds year round. I’m sorry to say Mead Gardens has seen better days. Much of the boardwalk is barricaded; all is deteriorated. There were a few butterflies, but not hummers.  

We were back at the room before dark for the first time this trip.

We missed one target species: Purple Sandpiper. But we picked up seven lifers. Not at all bad for winter birding. Total species seen were 146. You'll have to judge the photos yourself. We still need to pay serious attention to the Gulf coast. Maybe a future trip.