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Recap-Picnic McKethan Lake

4/25/2023

Several birders arrived early in anticipation of not only identifying some birds, but the food that was to come. The White Ibis and a Greater Yellowlegs was evident at a distance from the pavilion. A Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs was in the group.

We walked through the woods in the back of the pavilion, but it was very quiet.

Also across from the pavilion was a Roseate Spoonbill dining with an Ibis.
Most of the time we were at the pavilion, the Swallow-tailed Kites were active. I got this photo as he swooped in for a drink. It was a treat to see them flying around. Then it was to eat.

If you have never seen Penguins, here is your opportunity. Except they are edible. Thanks to Wendy Zematis.

We had 35 species, 36 including the penguins. Here is the ebird link. https://ebird.org/checklist/S134960945

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Photos: Pepper Creek

4/21/2023

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Recap: Final Pepper Creek Birdwalk of Season, 15 April 2023, 0800-1000

4/21/2023

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Citrus County Audubon’s Pepper Creek Birdwalk finale was conducted on the Ides of April 2023 at Homosassa Wildlife State Park, with Elaine Roche and Bob Ross leading. Only three other birders participated (more commonly a dozen), but the five of us had a great time along the trail. A few new seasonal neotropical migrants were added to the list of monthly recorded winter residents, including Swallow-tailed Kite, Great-crested Flycatcher, Red-eyed Vireo, Nashville Warbler, and N. Parula (warbler). In all 24 species were recorded. Photos of the Great-crested Flycatcher and N. Parula were obtained by Bob (see photos here), with these and more found in the eBird report submitted by Elaine. A beautiful photo was obtained and submitted of a male Wood Duck near its wooden nest box (see photo and eBird). In addition the group was rewarded by a river otter crossing the trail (see photo here). Thanks to Elaine and Joyce Lewis for their loyal participation and leadership every winter at Pepper Creek. Many community birders (with varying degrees of experience) are enriched by these organized monthly birdwalks at Homosassa State Park.

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April 19th, 2023

4/19/2023

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Baby Bird Shower

4/16/2023

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This was Michele Kline's day at the Baby Bird Shower that Citrus County and Hernando Audubon's hosted at Chinsegut Conservation Center. Michele brought ambassador Spencer Barred Owl and a new ambassador, White-winged Dove. She gave good advice about when not to bother baby birds that seemed to be without parents. There were tables of items for sale and the monies received were all turned over to Michele so that she can continue to do the awesome work she is so good at.

Prior to Michele's presentation, Bev Hansen led 20 interested birds on a brief tour around the premises. Red-headed Woodpeckers were in abundance, several species of Warblers, male and female Summer Tanager, Yellow-throated and White-eyed Vireos were seen to name a few. The excitement for the day was the Blue Grosbeak.

Photos by Jim Meyer & Fred Hileman. My eBird list link is here https://ebird.org/checklist/S133987950
We had 32 species.

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Recap-Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve

4/16/2023

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One consolation of the wind blowing was that the "no-see-ums" were at bay for the 13 birders. Morning started overcast, but that did not deter the Clapper Rails that were calling back and forth in the marsh. This one just sat up on the top of the reeds for the longest time and gave us all opportunities for photos. Marsh Wrens, Blue-Gray Gnatcatchers, Parulas, and Pine Warbler were a few of our sightings. We spotted a flying bird that took some identifying. Thanks to Effie Smith who helped with the ID. At first with the long tail, it seemed to be a Mississippi Kite, but after checking the photo on computer, it was determined to be a migrating Northern Harrier. Then out to the boat ramp we added a few more with the Willets all in a row. Here is the eBird link to the 33 species seen. https://ebird.org/checklist/S133601118

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Recap - Cedar Key

4/5/2023

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12 members were present for Cedar Key. Tim & i arrived about 7:30 and when we got out of the car, we were nearly devoured by the "no-See-ums." The two different sprays all over did not deter them. Tide was extremely low which made them more active, I suppose. We had 16 species including one of the several Clapper Rails. There were 3 Black Skimmers patrolling the low water pockets for their morning breakfast.

We left the Mounds and along the way out several members spotted a Florida Scrub Jay. The mud flats afforded several species to add. There was a Black-crowned Night Heron out foraging. Off in the distance we could see a large flock of White Pelicans. We were hoping to travel farther down the road and get a better look at them, but an airboat dashed that hope.

The best views for the trip were of the Great-horned Owls. Mom and babies gave us some good photo ops. It has been several years since we have seen them. It was good to have them back. This was one of the best specie tallies we have had in some time. This was without the migration. The tally for the trip was a whopping 67 species!! Congratulations to some great birders. Thanks to Bob Ross for the bird photos.
The ebird link is here:
https://ebird.org/checklist/S132765436

Fred Hileman

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Recap-Picnic McKethan Lake

Photos: Pepper Creek

Recap: Final Pepper Creek Birdwalk of Season, 15 April 2023, 0800-1000

April 19th, 2023

Baby Bird Shower

Recap-Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve

Recap - Cedar Key

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