We ventured out with family in April to see what we could find for the 2023 Florida spring bird migration. Three new birds were added to our ebird list along with sightings of previously seen favorites.
Our travels included camping for two nights at Fort De Soto near St. Petersburg, Florida. It is often a stop of migrating birds as well as a great location to see shorebirds up close. The days we visited were off and on rainy and windy making it a bit challenging to find the birds. Several could be found feeding along the sea grapes and other vegetation by the road to East Beach. Friendly fellow birders made the trip even more enjoyable!
Our visits south included excursions to Everglades National Park – Research Rd., Lucky Hammock, Homestead General Aviation, Brewer Park and Key Biscayne/Crandon Park. We are happy that we made the effort to see some new places.
We ventured North to Sem-Chi Rice Mill hoping to see the Yellow-headed Blackbird. We did, as well as an unexpected find of two Smooth-billed Ani which we followed down Sugar Mill Road. We had great views of one of the Smooth-billed Ani as it was harassed by Common Grackles and Red-Winged Blackbirds.
Locally, we visited Evergreen Cemetery, Tall Cypress, Richardson Nature Preserve, and Plantation Preserve. We saw a good selection of wood warblers and locals in their spring finery.
Our slideshow has highlights from the trip. Hope you enjoy the show.