Rey Wells and Ken Spilios held the McKethan Lake field trip along with five others who ventured afield on a chilly morning (38 Degrees at start of day.) Lucille Lane from Hernando Audubon joined us. Ken took the lead on foot. Rey had a knee issue and manned the stationary watch, finding birds we missed while roaming. The forest trail gave us a Sapsucker and an adult Bald Eagle soaring over the lake. One of the best birds for the day was this dark morph Short-tailed Hawk. This hawk which is hard to find in the winter months was a welcomed "count week" bird for Hernando Audubon who held their Christmas Bird Count the next day.

We found thirty-four species as the morning warmed. Later Ray & Ken went on to the Big Pine area and added this photo of a Red-headed Woodpecker. The best birds of the day was the Short-tailed Hawk and an Orange-crowned Warbler. Everyone had a safe and enjoyable time while social distancing and wearing masks due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

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It was a bright morning and likely the coolest in months.  So, the birds stayed pretty active for the entire three hour outing.  Unfortunately, only Rey Wells and Ken Spilios ventured afield.  The action started immediately with the sighting of a Yellow-throated Warbler.  It was in a palm tree at the front entrance of the Lecanto Post Office!  That’s where we met up.  We then caravanned to several spots with differing habitats to give us a chance at as many species as possible.  We tallied 44 species and had a good time doing it.  Here are two photos taken that morning.
 
Submitted by Rey Wells