Twenty Four eager birders came out this morning to Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve, ready to tackle the foggy morning and just enjoy being out in the great outdoors. We checked out the area around the Education Center and out into the marsh at the back of the center. Here we had 2 Clapper Rails calling back and forth and finally got to see one dart out of the marsh only to duck down very quickly close by. Off in a very low tidal basin two Hooded Mergansers gave us a quick view before disappearing around a bend. We then went back by the tower and birded the area near the ramp. A Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk and juvenile Bald Eagle were three nice additions. Coming back to the parking lot, a few of us got some good views and answering calls from as many as 5 Saltmarsh Sparrows.. We headed out of the Preserve and then on to the Gulf where we added 7 more species to our 39 from the Preserve. The thrill of the Gulf was hundreds of American White Pelicans that gave us a fly over. Awesome! The two complete lists can be seen at Withlacoochee link and this Gulf link. The Blue-headed Vireo pictured here is one I took in my backyard yesterday (Sunday 13)
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