Fifteen members and guests took the eleven-mile Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive on Friday, January 14th. It was chilly and breezy – a welcome change for some from the warmer than normal weather we had for the McKethan Lake outing.
Ken Spilios led and reported sightings via walkie talkie from the front truck. He had a capable side kick in Bob Ross. There is a photo of them here as they bird from atop Mt. Apopka.
The number and variety of birds was a joy to behold after experiencing relatively few birds in previous outings this season. Early sightings included a male and a female Painted Bunting. Purple and Gray Swamphens cooperated as we crept along toward the big rest stop. A female Northern Shoveler duck was spotted there. Later, Ken and Bob were able to get three males in the scope. Other notable sightings included large numbers of Fulvous and Black-bellied Whistling Ducks. Many Ring-necks and Blue-winged Teal were sighted along the way. Large flights of unknown ducks were seen several times in the distance.
Raptors consisted of a kestrel along Lust Rd. before the gate, an eagle, ospreys, and Red-shouldered Hawks. Late in the drive, Jim Meyer and Eileen Riccio spotted a Peregrine Falcon atop a telephone pole. Ken and Bob stopped to talk with some friends from Volusia Audubon who had a scope on a flock of American Pipits at the sod field.
It was a most enjoyable morning in good company. In all, 48 species were recorded.
Ken Spilios led and reported sightings via walkie talkie from the front truck. He had a capable side kick in Bob Ross. There is a photo of them here as they bird from atop Mt. Apopka.
The number and variety of birds was a joy to behold after experiencing relatively few birds in previous outings this season. Early sightings included a male and a female Painted Bunting. Purple and Gray Swamphens cooperated as we crept along toward the big rest stop. A female Northern Shoveler duck was spotted there. Later, Ken and Bob were able to get three males in the scope. Other notable sightings included large numbers of Fulvous and Black-bellied Whistling Ducks. Many Ring-necks and Blue-winged Teal were sighted along the way. Large flights of unknown ducks were seen several times in the distance.
Raptors consisted of a kestrel along Lust Rd. before the gate, an eagle, ospreys, and Red-shouldered Hawks. Late in the drive, Jim Meyer and Eileen Riccio spotted a Peregrine Falcon atop a telephone pole. Ken and Bob stopped to talk with some friends from Volusia Audubon who had a scope on a flock of American Pipits at the sod field.
It was a most enjoyable morning in good company. In all, 48 species were recorded.
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