Bird walk report - Gatorland
Date: Friday, April 30, 2010
Our group of 16 birders was greeted at the gate by Mike Godwin, the grandson of Gatorland’s founder, and current Director of Birding and Photography Programs at the facility. He gave us a brief history of Gatorland and its development over the years. He then gave us a nice tour of the rookery area, pointing out some nice access points for viewing and picture taking. Since he’s there everyday, he was able to give us some ages on chicks in the nest. They ranged from one day old to about a month old. The day was warm and humid, with very little activity taking place in the usually active Swamp Trail area. Also, the water level in the swamp was higher than it has been in the previous five years that I’ve led this trip. All the wildlife must’ve had the day off. No snakes, no alligator fights, no blood in the water – just like a beautiful day in The Villages. Mike told us that the day before our visit, there had been multiple sightings of swallow-tailed kites, as well as pileated, red-bellied and downy woodpeckers throughout the day. The usual array of uncountable birds was on display. Flamingos, peacocks, parrots, emus and wild turkeys were strutting their stuff in their enclosures. Be sure to check out Mike Godwin’s photos taken in the Gatorland rookery. Go on the internet to Gatorland.com, and then select “Bird Rookery” from the menu checklist on the left side of the page.
Mallard Duck, Double-Crested Cormorant, Anhinga, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Little Blue Heron, Tricolored Heron, Cattle Egret, Green Heron, White Ibis, Glossy Ibis, Roseate Spoonbill, Wood Stork, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Osprey, Red-Shouldered Hawk, Common Moorhen, Limpkin, Sandhill Crane, Fish Crow, Northern Mockingbird, Chipping Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-Winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, And Boat-Tailed Grackle. Next up: |