ALEXANDER KEY AND HIS NOVEL ISLAND LIGHT
Sometimes a book finds you (or us, in this case). Michelle always researches where we go to find local authors and simply because of that we found ‘The Forgotten Coast’, on the Gulf of Mexico on the Florida Panhandle. The book was ‘lying around’ in a hotel lobby. We picked it up and I read it. Not stolen just borrowed!
Island Light by Alexander Key (1904-1979) was first published in 1950 and has been re-published by Forgotten Coast Used And Out of Print Books - www.forgottencoastbooks.com, and also there is a reference to Susan Nosco Wolfe - swolfe@forgottencoastbooks.com.
What a great idea this is to re-produce books such as this one. I wonder how many other books are lying around that should be given a re-print. Island Light is one book that deserves to be read by this decade’s readers.
It is a story set in and around Apalachicola, St George Island and St Vincent just after the American Civil War had ended and deals explicitly with life after this divisive conflict. I liked it, particularly, as it deals with life at a base level and not with the aristocratic south as portrayed by many. The sea was a way of life and Alexander Key writes with knowledge of it and gives to the reader reality. Okay, there are women involved, troubled people both Black and White and what can happen when the abolition of slavery makes them ‘free men’. That freedom creates problems without the safeguards of any control. It was engrossing, for me, but I like history anyway.
It is told through the voice of a sea captain who loses through being on the wrong side. But never mind about the story, as good as it is, because it is so well written and often poetic. Sitting in judgement, I can applaud the writing, and also the morality expressed at the end. I need to research some more the writings of Alexander Key and any other re-published books by the website listed.
This was a terrific read and a marvelous read far removed from today’s authors.
Saturday, 18 May 2019
ORLANDO WETLANDS & MERRIT ISLAND FLORIDA
OUR SECOND DAY OF GUIDED BIRDING AT ORLANDO WETLANDS AND MERRITT ISLAND FLORIDA WITH JIM EAGER
On Thursday 16th May, as planned, we headed east to Cocoa Beach and met Jim Eager for another day of guided birding. The heavy rains precluded us from going to Ritch Grissom and instead we travelled to Orlando Wetlands which is an area of waste water management. It is vast and the roads are easy to walk. Unlike yesterday we spent part of the morning walking around, listening and watching. With expanses of water large ‘gators’ were easy to spot.
On the way Wild Turkeys with poults walked on the woodland edges.
A target bird and another first for us were Black-bellied Whistling Ducks. They flew and perched on dead tree limbs and were easy to see. Later in the afternoon, in a trailer park, and in a well manicured setting we counted 125 of this species. Standing with them were two Sandhill Cranes and White Ibis. That's so easy birding!
Most Egrets and Herons were evident and allowed excellent views. Black Vultures were seen in good numbers, even on the ground, and Turkey Vultures flew as usual. Water levels varied and in one area it was low which allowed waders to feed. We had our first sightings of Roseate Spoonbills and in the distance, we reasoned, were Least Sandpipers.
Two Bald Eagles perched on dead trees, but without a nest in sight. The dead palms showed Woodpeckers were here and we saw and heard a Red-bellied which we had not seen one the Tuesday. We searched for Barred Owls without success. Ironically at Orange Lake, by a lagoon one sat to be photographed. Sometimes it is easy.
We returned eastwards and travelled around Merritt Island where it is easy birding and all from the car. On the mud 26 Semi-palmated Sandpipers fed. They were distant, but still well observed. One Least Tern was seen. A Killdeer flew up from the side of the road and away. Both Willet and Limpkin were seen.
It is a known site for Green Herons and close to the road were four active nests that we observed. Adults perched for the camera and chicks were photographed as well. A Snowy Egret also posed nearby.
Merritt Island’s brackish water is the correct environment for Reddish Egrets and we watched and enjoyed seeing them search for food. The only Heron not seen was the Black-crowned one and so our list only lacked that one.
Butterflies and Damsel Flies were around us and some stopped long enough for the camera.
Photographs will have to wait, probably until we return to Spain, and I need to work in my Wordpress site.
Summing up this day. We knew that we would be in different habitats. It was an easier photographic environment and some species were close by. If only these sites were always close by! Whatever we saw or did not see both days were a terrific experience. I felt good to have done it.
On Thursday 16th May, as planned, we headed east to Cocoa Beach and met Jim Eager for another day of guided birding. The heavy rains precluded us from going to Ritch Grissom and instead we travelled to Orlando Wetlands which is an area of waste water management. It is vast and the roads are easy to walk. Unlike yesterday we spent part of the morning walking around, listening and watching. With expanses of water large ‘gators’ were easy to spot.
On the way Wild Turkeys with poults walked on the woodland edges.
A target bird and another first for us were Black-bellied Whistling Ducks. They flew and perched on dead tree limbs and were easy to see. Later in the afternoon, in a trailer park, and in a well manicured setting we counted 125 of this species. Standing with them were two Sandhill Cranes and White Ibis. That's so easy birding!
Most Egrets and Herons were evident and allowed excellent views. Black Vultures were seen in good numbers, even on the ground, and Turkey Vultures flew as usual. Water levels varied and in one area it was low which allowed waders to feed. We had our first sightings of Roseate Spoonbills and in the distance, we reasoned, were Least Sandpipers.
Two Bald Eagles perched on dead trees, but without a nest in sight. The dead palms showed Woodpeckers were here and we saw and heard a Red-bellied which we had not seen one the Tuesday. We searched for Barred Owls without success. Ironically at Orange Lake, by a lagoon one sat to be photographed. Sometimes it is easy.
We returned eastwards and travelled around Merritt Island where it is easy birding and all from the car. On the mud 26 Semi-palmated Sandpipers fed. They were distant, but still well observed. One Least Tern was seen. A Killdeer flew up from the side of the road and away. Both Willet and Limpkin were seen.
It is a known site for Green Herons and close to the road were four active nests that we observed. Adults perched for the camera and chicks were photographed as well. A Snowy Egret also posed nearby.
Merritt Island’s brackish water is the correct environment for Reddish Egrets and we watched and enjoyed seeing them search for food. The only Heron not seen was the Black-crowned one and so our list only lacked that one.
Butterflies and Damsel Flies were around us and some stopped long enough for the camera.
Photographs will have to wait, probably until we return to Spain, and I need to work in my Wordpress site.
Summing up this day. We knew that we would be in different habitats. It was an easier photographic environment and some species were close by. If only these sites were always close by! Whatever we saw or did not see both days were a terrific experience. I felt good to have done it.
Wednesday, 15 May 2019
BIRDING IN CENTRAL FLORIDA
BIRDING IN CENTRAL FLORIDA- GREAT BIRDS WITH A GREAT GUIDE
We researched this area throughly as we knew that we had never been able to ‘bird’ this area in the way that we would have liked.
We found our man in Jim Eager (beachbirder@bellsouth.net) and we booked him for two days with the second day, next Thursday, to travel east to Merritt Island and Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands at Viera. We had a successful visit here before, but we reasoned that with a man of local knowledge guiding, we would see much more. We could also include Orlando Wetlands Park afterwards.
On Tuesday 12th May we met Jim and traveled to Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area that is connected to Lakes Kissimmee, Jackson and Marian. It is 62,000 acres, is the second largest remaining area of natural prairie and part of the Kissimmee Prairie.
Jim had already indicated what we could see previously and the only extra request was to view as many ‘warblers’ as possible. He obliged and his local knowledge found us the following.
Red-cockaded Woodpeckers are located in this managed area with nest sites being monitored. They were not easy, but we had super views flying into and around the nest tree. A Northern Mockingbird joined in.
In the same area we found and viewed Bachman’s Sparrow. Later, we had even better views of these beautiful and lively little birds with a male and female flitting about.
We headed into the area and found both a male and female Eastern Bluebird. Birdsong was around us and Jim was recognizing calls. A Northern Parula was heard and we had to work hard to see it. It was in a dark leaved Oak and eventually we got on it and we could see the yellow throat and white eye arcs. It is a beautiful bird.
A Tufted Titmouse came into full view and also a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. We heard, but did not see an Eastern Towhee, but a Northern Bobwhite kept calling and eventually it was found perched in a fork between two branches.
A Brown-headed Nuthatch called and we had great views of it. We had to work at it and we were all rewarded.
We had flying views of Pileated Woodpeckers and we were lucky enough to get a clear sighting of a Red-headed one too. A White-eyed Vireo was located too.
Along Joe Overstreet Road we easily found Loggerhead Shrikes, and Eastern Meadow Larks. The latter are stunning with their striking yellow and black frontal markings, clear eye stripes and brown and black streaks. Vultures were around and we had good views of Red-shouldered Hawks. A male Northern Cardinal ‘amused’ itself on a wing-mirror of a truck. We passed distant Bald Eagles and kept looking for Crested Caracaras, but with no success.
At the landing we got lucky! A female Snail Kite was after the exotic (not indigenous) Apple Snail and was chased by a Red-winged Blackbird with red and yellow showing well. The Kite entertained us and eventually settled on a post with its catch. These snails are bigger than the native ones. Limpkins showed well and a Purple Gallinule fed just off the boardwalk. A Tri-coloured Heron flew in, Cattle Egrets fed amongst the cattle, Snowy and Great Egrets, a Little Blue and Great Blue, and Ospreys flew over. On the far bank wild Turkeys grazed amongst the cattle. Earlier two Swallow-Tailed Kites flew over. They are such elegant birds. Four Glossy Ibis flew past and White Ibis fed in the meadow. On our return journey a Wood Stork flew over.
It was a good butterfly day too and some photographs will appear later.
We could have spent more time here, but the light was poor for photography and thunder, lightening and rain was approaching . We headed for Interstate 192 West and home happy after seeing quality birds and many ‘firsts’.
Photographs will go on my Wordpress site. jebirding.wordpress.com as it is more compatible with Apple products.
We researched this area throughly as we knew that we had never been able to ‘bird’ this area in the way that we would have liked.
We found our man in Jim Eager (beachbirder@bellsouth.net) and we booked him for two days with the second day, next Thursday, to travel east to Merritt Island and Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands at Viera. We had a successful visit here before, but we reasoned that with a man of local knowledge guiding, we would see much more. We could also include Orlando Wetlands Park afterwards.
On Tuesday 12th May we met Jim and traveled to Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area that is connected to Lakes Kissimmee, Jackson and Marian. It is 62,000 acres, is the second largest remaining area of natural prairie and part of the Kissimmee Prairie.
Jim had already indicated what we could see previously and the only extra request was to view as many ‘warblers’ as possible. He obliged and his local knowledge found us the following.
Red-cockaded Woodpeckers are located in this managed area with nest sites being monitored. They were not easy, but we had super views flying into and around the nest tree. A Northern Mockingbird joined in.
In the same area we found and viewed Bachman’s Sparrow. Later, we had even better views of these beautiful and lively little birds with a male and female flitting about.
We headed into the area and found both a male and female Eastern Bluebird. Birdsong was around us and Jim was recognizing calls. A Northern Parula was heard and we had to work hard to see it. It was in a dark leaved Oak and eventually we got on it and we could see the yellow throat and white eye arcs. It is a beautiful bird.
A Tufted Titmouse came into full view and also a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. We heard, but did not see an Eastern Towhee, but a Northern Bobwhite kept calling and eventually it was found perched in a fork between two branches.
A Brown-headed Nuthatch called and we had great views of it. We had to work at it and we were all rewarded.
We had flying views of Pileated Woodpeckers and we were lucky enough to get a clear sighting of a Red-headed one too. A White-eyed Vireo was located too.
Along Joe Overstreet Road we easily found Loggerhead Shrikes, and Eastern Meadow Larks. The latter are stunning with their striking yellow and black frontal markings, clear eye stripes and brown and black streaks. Vultures were around and we had good views of Red-shouldered Hawks. A male Northern Cardinal ‘amused’ itself on a wing-mirror of a truck. We passed distant Bald Eagles and kept looking for Crested Caracaras, but with no success.
At the landing we got lucky! A female Snail Kite was after the exotic (not indigenous) Apple Snail and was chased by a Red-winged Blackbird with red and yellow showing well. The Kite entertained us and eventually settled on a post with its catch. These snails are bigger than the native ones. Limpkins showed well and a Purple Gallinule fed just off the boardwalk. A Tri-coloured Heron flew in, Cattle Egrets fed amongst the cattle, Snowy and Great Egrets, a Little Blue and Great Blue, and Ospreys flew over. On the far bank wild Turkeys grazed amongst the cattle. Earlier two Swallow-Tailed Kites flew over. They are such elegant birds. Four Glossy Ibis flew past and White Ibis fed in the meadow. On our return journey a Wood Stork flew over.
It was a good butterfly day too and some photographs will appear later.
We could have spent more time here, but the light was poor for photography and thunder, lightening and rain was approaching . We headed for Interstate 192 West and home happy after seeing quality birds and many ‘firsts’.
Photographs will go on my Wordpress site. jebirding.wordpress.com as it is more compatible with Apple products.
Friday, 10 May 2019
PHEASANT CHICKS IMPORTED THROUGH EUROTUNNEL
I HAVE EMAILED EUROTUNNEL OBJECTING TO THIS TRANSPORTATION FOR A CRUEL AND UNNECESSARY 'sport' FOR KILLERS WITH SHOTGUNS
Pheasant chicks are being shipped through Eurotunnel, destined to be gunned down for entertainment on British shooting estates. These birds were born on factory farms in France, where their parents remain incarcerated in barren battery cages.
Every year, 35 million birds are released into the countryside for the sole purpose of being shot, of which half are imported from overseas. Many of these day-old birds will suffer and die in transport boxes from exhaustion and stress, only metres away from passengers on Eurotunnel’s trains.
Together, with help from our supporters, the League Against Cruel Sports has already successfully stopped ferry companies P&O, Brittany Ferries and DFDS importing chicks on their ships.
Without Eurotunnel this cruel trade would struggle to continue. We’re urging you to publicly tweet Eurotunnel today to demand the company bans transport of game birds for shooting.
Sunday, 5 May 2019
WATER MOCCASIN CURLED UP AND RESTING
On Saturday 4th May we knew that a storm was coming. We stayed local and visited the National Estuarine Research Reserve. It had surge damage from ‘Michael’ but the boardwalks were intact. Birds were around us calling from the trees and not showing. I looked over the sides of the boardwalk. And there one was carefully wrapped up in concentric circles on a bed of pine needles. A Water Moccasin, a snake that swims on the surface of the water, hence its name. Other snakes swim with only the head above the surface. This snake was large, two inch in diameter, at least, and between three to four foot long.
The photograph is in my Wordpress site.
The photograph is in my Wordpress site.
Friday, 3 May 2019
APALACHICOLA HISTORIC DISTRICT & DOWNTOWN BOOKS
It's Friday 3rd May and we only have the weekend left here in Apalachicola. Since my title says Notes from etc. this is then only a short note. Our plans for the day aborted when we both switched of our alarms at 6 and awoke hours later. It was a leisurely hour or so before we ventured out into the historic district of luxurious oaks and birds. Only the usual ones on show and all seen before. But I was on the look out for Hummingbird feeders; we found feeders but no birds this time.
Onwards into ‘Downtown Books & Purl’. Where we met like-minded people and one I talked into buying The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle - note not 7 and one half as in England - and I warned her that it was a challenge and that she can ‘curse’ me afterwards. Email exchanged.
She was undoubtedly a reader and also walked out with ‘The Crow Trap’ by Ann Cleaves. It is good to see excellent British writers in a Florida bookshop.
We bought a signed copy of Susan Cerulean, our guide on St Vincent, entiltled ‘Coming to Pass’; Florida’s Coastal Islands in a Gulf of Change. A serious read and to know a little more about the Forgotten Coast.
Onwards into ‘Downtown Books & Purl’. Where we met like-minded people and one I talked into buying The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle - note not 7 and one half as in England - and I warned her that it was a challenge and that she can ‘curse’ me afterwards. Email exchanged.
She was undoubtedly a reader and also walked out with ‘The Crow Trap’ by Ann Cleaves. It is good to see excellent British writers in a Florida bookshop.
We bought a signed copy of Susan Cerulean, our guide on St Vincent, entiltled ‘Coming to Pass’; Florida’s Coastal Islands in a Gulf of Change. A serious read and to know a little more about the Forgotten Coast.
WAKULLA SPRINGS & ST MARKS
Thursday 2nd it was 7.30am to 7.30pm door to door. We took Nico’s advice right up to evening time.
WAKULLA SPRINGS was 90 minutes away, but we were there in time for the first boat of the day at 9.40. The source of the spring is 120 foot down and from it flowed crystal clear water. It is a multi-purpose site and it was only the birds for us. It was relevantly quiet but did see a juvenile Blue Heron, Pied Grebes, Purple Gallinules(Moorhens), Swamphen and two Wood Ducks. The stars of the morning were two nesting Yellow-crowned Night Herons and then two waders flew. Enquiries revealed that they were migrating Spotted Sandpipers.
A large privet hedge in full bloom attracted six different species including Monarch. There is work to be done with the photos. We lunched before moving on St Marks National Wildlife Refuge. It is huge and we investigate enough to know that we will back there in the morning. There was a feeder outside reception and this was our first Ruby-throated Hummingbird. They are so small and maybe we will get a better photo tomorrow. The road to the Lighthouse is seven miles long with water either side. We saw our first Belted Kingfisher for this trip, four American Golden Plovers, a resting Willet and Least Bittern squatting in the reads. And another Wilson’s Plover. We knew by now that we would have to come back and spend much more time there. It would take months to do it all anyway.
‘Up the Creek’, in Apalachicola overlooks the river and that is where we sat on the upper deck drinking, eating and watching. Here were Least Terns diving in front of us. Across the water were two Ospreys on a nest with young. Last year they raised three. What a good way to dine.
WAKULLA SPRINGS was 90 minutes away, but we were there in time for the first boat of the day at 9.40. The source of the spring is 120 foot down and from it flowed crystal clear water. It is a multi-purpose site and it was only the birds for us. It was relevantly quiet but did see a juvenile Blue Heron, Pied Grebes, Purple Gallinules(Moorhens), Swamphen and two Wood Ducks. The stars of the morning were two nesting Yellow-crowned Night Herons and then two waders flew. Enquiries revealed that they were migrating Spotted Sandpipers.
A large privet hedge in full bloom attracted six different species including Monarch. There is work to be done with the photos. We lunched before moving on St Marks National Wildlife Refuge. It is huge and we investigate enough to know that we will back there in the morning. There was a feeder outside reception and this was our first Ruby-throated Hummingbird. They are so small and maybe we will get a better photo tomorrow. The road to the Lighthouse is seven miles long with water either side. We saw our first Belted Kingfisher for this trip, four American Golden Plovers, a resting Willet and Least Bittern squatting in the reads. And another Wilson’s Plover. We knew by now that we would have to come back and spend much more time there. It would take months to do it all anyway.
‘Up the Creek’, in Apalachicola overlooks the river and that is where we sat on the upper deck drinking, eating and watching. Here were Least Terns diving in front of us. Across the water were two Ospreys on a nest with young. Last year they raised three. What a good way to dine.
ST VINCENT ISLAND - NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
ST VINCENT NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
This was a pre-planned event and we met at 8.30 to take the short ferry ride to St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge. For the first time in five days we met ‘birders’. The wildlife is taken care of by volunteers and they escorted us around only a small part of this 10 mile long barrier island. It is open to the public and there are areas which are restricted for nesting Terns including the Snowy Plovers. We didn’t see one.
On the point were numerous Brown Pelicans that also flew and fished. We saw the following Terns : Caspian, Royal, Sandwich, and Gull-Billed. We missed out on Least and Forster’s, but we have time. Two Skimmers sat with them. All these birds spooked when a Turkey Vulture flew over. A Great Blue Heron – a dark morph - looking ‘terminally grey’ with a tinge of colour in the thighs ignored us. Aloof and majestic.
We walked the beach and Gannets fished off shore. Also a Brown Booby was spotted and two Cattle Egrets as well. We turned inland to cross the island. The ecology of the island and the dune system is one of interest and much too involved to do it any justice here. The island has been logged twice in the 1940’s and 60’s and they are hoping that the current administration will not authorize further logging. There is some good undergrowth and there are still mature trees. We had our first confirmed sighting of an Eastern Towee. Woodland birds can be difficult and we hoped for more, but only a calling Yellow-throated Warbler obliged. We changed tack a little, searched for Pigmy Rattlesnakes. We looked under palm fronds and metal sheeting without success. However, a beautiful Water Moccasin/ Cottonmouth sat alert on the edge of a small pond. Michelle also photographed a Black Swallow Tail, a young Oak Toad, and some successful bird shots.
Returning to the boat we saw six ‘shore’ birds and we were with a birder. These were four Sanderling, two Wilson’s Plovers and a Western Sandpiper. Early we had a Sanderling in summer plumage. We can confirm that many solitary ‘shore’ birds are Sanderling although we usually see them in small groups scuttling about.
Our guide, Susan Cerulen, is a published author with Coming to Pass – Florida’s Coastal Islands in a Gulf of Change. www.susancerulean.com. Her husband is an authority on what has been happening with the dunes over time. With us was Nico Wieders, Ph.D, an associate scientist at the research facility of Florida State University. We were in good company!
Evening time required a pit stop for fuel and then next to ‘Up the Creek’ was The Bowery Station. Open Mics from 5-7 allowed the up-and-coming a chance. I will say ‘real music with real people’ and something poetic may come.
,
This was a pre-planned event and we met at 8.30 to take the short ferry ride to St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge. For the first time in five days we met ‘birders’. The wildlife is taken care of by volunteers and they escorted us around only a small part of this 10 mile long barrier island. It is open to the public and there are areas which are restricted for nesting Terns including the Snowy Plovers. We didn’t see one.
On the point were numerous Brown Pelicans that also flew and fished. We saw the following Terns : Caspian, Royal, Sandwich, and Gull-Billed. We missed out on Least and Forster’s, but we have time. Two Skimmers sat with them. All these birds spooked when a Turkey Vulture flew over. A Great Blue Heron – a dark morph - looking ‘terminally grey’ with a tinge of colour in the thighs ignored us. Aloof and majestic.
We walked the beach and Gannets fished off shore. Also a Brown Booby was spotted and two Cattle Egrets as well. We turned inland to cross the island. The ecology of the island and the dune system is one of interest and much too involved to do it any justice here. The island has been logged twice in the 1940’s and 60’s and they are hoping that the current administration will not authorize further logging. There is some good undergrowth and there are still mature trees. We had our first confirmed sighting of an Eastern Towee. Woodland birds can be difficult and we hoped for more, but only a calling Yellow-throated Warbler obliged. We changed tack a little, searched for Pigmy Rattlesnakes. We looked under palm fronds and metal sheeting without success. However, a beautiful Water Moccasin/ Cottonmouth sat alert on the edge of a small pond. Michelle also photographed a Black Swallow Tail, a young Oak Toad, and some successful bird shots.
Returning to the boat we saw six ‘shore’ birds and we were with a birder. These were four Sanderling, two Wilson’s Plovers and a Western Sandpiper. Early we had a Sanderling in summer plumage. We can confirm that many solitary ‘shore’ birds are Sanderling although we usually see them in small groups scuttling about.
Our guide, Susan Cerulen, is a published author with Coming to Pass – Florida’s Coastal Islands in a Gulf of Change. www.susancerulean.com. Her husband is an authority on what has been happening with the dunes over time. With us was Nico Wieders, Ph.D, an associate scientist at the research facility of Florida State University. We were in good company!
Evening time required a pit stop for fuel and then next to ‘Up the Creek’ was The Bowery Station. Open Mics from 5-7 allowed the up-and-coming a chance. I will say ‘real music with real people’ and something poetic may come.
,
Wednesday, 1 May 2019
BIRDS, BEER & BOOKS
On Monday 30th we stayed local as the research indicted there was much to be seen. I enclose a down-load which covers most of what I would say anyway.
5. City of Apalachicola. Almost the entire City of Apalachicola is a birder's paradise. Here the old-growth pines and oaks have been preserved and it is an oasis for birds in the desert of slash pine monoculture. In addition many residents maintain feeders and watering stations and plant native vegetation that nourished the birds.
A walk under the majestic oaks in the Historic District during April 1 - May 30 may reward you with Yellow-throated Warblers, Yellow-throated Warbler, Tufted Titmouse, Red-eyed Vireo and Baltimore Oriole. Walk the same scenic streets in the fall for nesting Bald Eagles, Red-shouldered Hawks, Red-tailed Hawks and Barred Owls.
The waterfront, especially Scipio Creek City Marina at the north of town is home to a wide variety of species including Swamp Sparrow, Fish Crow, Spotted Sandpiper, Black-crowned Night heron, Yellow-Crowned Night Heron, Virginia Rails and Gray Kingbird.
HISTORIC AREA AND LAFAYETTE PARK.
An area of easy walking and trim lawns and majestic trees. This is what we saw there: it is bordered on one side by the town and other by water.
Blue Jay
Northern Cardinals - both sexes
European Starlings
House Sparrow
Carolina Wren
Great-Crested Flycatcher
Swallow Tail Kites - two flying over
Brown Thrasher
Red-Bellied Woodpecker
Turkey Vulture - perched & flying
Fish Crow
We know that other species can pass through. It would be worth another visit.
The water front area around Scipio was disappointing as it was water and reedbeds with no obvious place to view. So, it was only the following.
Laughing Gulls
Brown Pelicans
Great Crested Cormorants
It was now hot, but we ventured into Chapman Botanical Gardens, a ten acre site, with great trees and a small pond. We were informed that Gulf Coast Box Turtles lay their eggs in the garden. We viewed a couple of large specimens and were told that there is one Alligator in there too. On the water tower two Ospreys had a nest with two week old chicks. Again our information told us that Vultures had to be driven off otherwise the chicks would be predated. A Black Vulture flew over. There was a prison gang working and one had trodden on a red ant nest. These ants are from South America and our guide poisons them. They are not American!
Not a great return but it was now time for recuperating in The Oyster Brewery and to eat in the Owl Café. This was the first time we had eaten in a proper restaurant and we must learn to order less as we now have a meal for later. Across the the road was a book shop and waiting to be collected were ten signed books by Dawn Lee McKenna a local crime novelist who sets her books in Apalachicola and the reason we are here on The Forgotten Coast. Also the latest from Alafair Burke, but unsigned as her arms were too short to reach from NY.
5. City of Apalachicola. Almost the entire City of Apalachicola is a birder's paradise. Here the old-growth pines and oaks have been preserved and it is an oasis for birds in the desert of slash pine monoculture. In addition many residents maintain feeders and watering stations and plant native vegetation that nourished the birds.
A walk under the majestic oaks in the Historic District during April 1 - May 30 may reward you with Yellow-throated Warblers, Yellow-throated Warbler, Tufted Titmouse, Red-eyed Vireo and Baltimore Oriole. Walk the same scenic streets in the fall for nesting Bald Eagles, Red-shouldered Hawks, Red-tailed Hawks and Barred Owls.
The waterfront, especially Scipio Creek City Marina at the north of town is home to a wide variety of species including Swamp Sparrow, Fish Crow, Spotted Sandpiper, Black-crowned Night heron, Yellow-Crowned Night Heron, Virginia Rails and Gray Kingbird.
HISTORIC AREA AND LAFAYETTE PARK.
An area of easy walking and trim lawns and majestic trees. This is what we saw there: it is bordered on one side by the town and other by water.
Blue Jay
Northern Cardinals - both sexes
European Starlings
House Sparrow
Carolina Wren
Great-Crested Flycatcher
Swallow Tail Kites - two flying over
Brown Thrasher
Red-Bellied Woodpecker
Turkey Vulture - perched & flying
Fish Crow
We know that other species can pass through. It would be worth another visit.
The water front area around Scipio was disappointing as it was water and reedbeds with no obvious place to view. So, it was only the following.
Laughing Gulls
Brown Pelicans
Great Crested Cormorants
It was now hot, but we ventured into Chapman Botanical Gardens, a ten acre site, with great trees and a small pond. We were informed that Gulf Coast Box Turtles lay their eggs in the garden. We viewed a couple of large specimens and were told that there is one Alligator in there too. On the water tower two Ospreys had a nest with two week old chicks. Again our information told us that Vultures had to be driven off otherwise the chicks would be predated. A Black Vulture flew over. There was a prison gang working and one had trodden on a red ant nest. These ants are from South America and our guide poisons them. They are not American!
Not a great return but it was now time for recuperating in The Oyster Brewery and to eat in the Owl Café. This was the first time we had eaten in a proper restaurant and we must learn to order less as we now have a meal for later. Across the the road was a book shop and waiting to be collected were ten signed books by Dawn Lee McKenna a local crime novelist who sets her books in Apalachicola and the reason we are here on The Forgotten Coast. Also the latest from Alafair Burke, but unsigned as her arms were too short to reach from NY.
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