Foggy morning!!! But a little fog never stops CCAS birders. The water was barely visible and there did not seem to be much happening at the first stop. We observed a new path that had been cut out to the left that ran along the edge of the lake. Being the adventurous group; we set out to investigate. The first surprise was the flock of American Robins (est 275) that flew over and landed in the trees along the lake. The tree line hosts many Holly, Sweet Gum and other seed and berry bearing trees. More surprises awaited as we ventured on around the lake. Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and Yellow-rumped Warblers were in abundance. We had House Wrens, Blue Jays, Northern Flickers, and Cedar Waxwings among others in this area. We continued around an inlet for some distance and after an hour or so on this trail with not getting to an end, we decided that it was time to move on. The banks of this lake were strewn with empty Apple Snail shells. The Limpkins (heard one) found this area of the sand and grass to be an ideal place in which to eat their catch.
Next up was the other side to the boat ramp. There we were amazed at the number of Forster's Terns. We spotted at least 14. They were occupying the bouys and some were fishing and would try to land on an occupant of the bouys somewhat like musical chairs. More American Robins at this site. We estimated another 250 or more. We traversed the 1 mile Fern Gully loop and had more Gnatcatchers and Kinglets along with Sapsuckers, At least 3 Orange-crowned Warblers. Palm Warblers, Chickadees, White-eyed and Blue Headed Vireos were also in the mix. By this time it was time to call it quits and we travelled off to our favorite watering hole, Gator Joe's for some well deserved lunch. As we were leaving the ramp area, we were treated to a juvenile Bald Eagle flyby. Here is the eBird link that is our list of the 58 species seen.
Next up was the other side to the boat ramp. There we were amazed at the number of Forster's Terns. We spotted at least 14. They were occupying the bouys and some were fishing and would try to land on an occupant of the bouys somewhat like musical chairs. More American Robins at this site. We estimated another 250 or more. We traversed the 1 mile Fern Gully loop and had more Gnatcatchers and Kinglets along with Sapsuckers, At least 3 Orange-crowned Warblers. Palm Warblers, Chickadees, White-eyed and Blue Headed Vireos were also in the mix. By this time it was time to call it quits and we travelled off to our favorite watering hole, Gator Joe's for some well deserved lunch. As we were leaving the ramp area, we were treated to a juvenile Bald Eagle flyby. Here is the eBird link that is our list of the 58 species seen.
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