Early Spring Walk

     All week the meteorologists said Sunday would be a beautiful sunny spring day, with sixty degree temperatures predicted. Saturday was supposed to be miserable and wet. So, earlier in the week, when I decided if the walk should be Saturday or Sunday, I obviously decided on Sunday. Well, as you know, Saturday was spectacular and today was a bit dreary and cold.
     The weather was dreary but our group was not. Whatever we lacked in finding bird species we made up in sociability. It was really nice to see everyone again and welcome new birders. We are at the end of the winter birds and not quite into the spring migration, hence the small variety of species.
     The big attraction was the Great Horned Owlets and we were rewarded. Thankfully, the birds hadn't fledged and one owlet was sitting up on top of the log. This owlet had grown so large since last week, I thought it was Mom.
     After observing the owlets, two of us went to find the Osprey which were found on the Amtrak tower near the Bartow Circle. I went back again later in the day and met Billy, another birder/photographer who sometimes joins our group and has contributed to our CIB bulletin board.
     We also met other local birders, Angel, Brendan, Mike, Dave Burg and his group which was nice. These guys bird consistently in PBPK, so you can learn a great deal from them. Check out www.wildmetro.org to find out about helping the park. Today, our group consisted of Cathy, Christine, Marie, John, Peter, Patty, Mike, Maria, and Celia.

Owlets on March 30, 2008. Too bad I didn't bring my camera early in the day when the biggest owlet was sitting up on top of the log. I returned later but it was hunkered low in the log.

Osprey, on the Amtrak tower near Bartow Circle.

This is the Amtrak Tower. A nest has since been built. It is easily spotted from the Bartow Circle. You can park at Bartow Mansion for no cost and walk across the street along the bicycle path and see the tower. It is also quite visible from the golf course parking lot. If you get too close you may disturb the birds. We are hoping for offspring.

Species Account

Hunter Island
White Breasted Nuthatch
Black Capped Chickadee
Blue Jay
Tufted Titmouse
Northern Cardinal
Mourning Dove
House Sparrow
Osprey
Mallard
Greater Yellowlegs
Great Horned Owl
Palm Warbler

Turtle Cove
Common Grackle
Bufflehead
Cowbird
Mute Swan
Black Duck
Common Goldeneye

All birdwalks are FREE!
Just show up- no reservations necessary!

I returned a day or two later and took this shot. The third owlet is hunkered down.