And suddenly I'm in Florida. Ostensibly for Disney et al but with my recent interests, an opportunity for some productive excursions. My very perceptive wife knew I had to get it out of my system early, so right away I was off to nearby Lake Apopka for some Florida birding while the rest of the family soaked in the hotel pool.
Lake Apopka has a rather tragic recent history. The region's use of pesticides and other toxins has thoroughly contaminated the local soil and lake bed. Massive bird kills (especially herons) when the toxins have made their way up the food chain. Most of the area bordering the lake has been fenced off. But there are some spots where you can catch a glimpse of this magical spot (and the wildlife it supports). For example, Magnolia Park.
I was greeted by a small group of white ibises feeding on the park lawn.
In New England we get all excited when we see ibises, especially this time of year. In Florida, you quickly realize that they are practically pest birds, abundant and sometimes very approachable.
And they travel in huge flocks.
In New England we are also thrilled to see ospreys. In Florida they are rather common, but still cool to observe. Probably because they are the one bird of prey you can consistently see in action successfully catching something.
Sounds include a boat-tailed grackle, a pair of red-shouldered hawks calling to each other, and an unknown warbler (I'm looking it up). Marsh wrens and carolina wrens down there too.
And there are lots of good reasons not to leave marked paths. Such as these eastern lubber grasshopper nymphs. The ground was literally crawling with them. (One of the reasons for the area's history of pesticides--these guys turn into extremely destructive grasshoppers).
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