Tuesday, March 01, 2005, Lake Parker Park
I worked today. Helping out all week while some are in training. Got off about 2:30 and drove up to Lake Parker Park. Parked near the lake and made two circuits of the path. There were a bunch of ibis coot and moorhen on the lake. Took some photos of them. Saw a great blue heron on the canal and photo'ed it. Also saw some anhingas in a tree in the lake. Not much else around at this time of the day. Windy and cool. ........................ Herman

Saturday, March 05, 2005, Jacksonville
I was visiting my daughter in Jax and she took me to Castaway Island Preserve. This is a nice, but small park on the west side of the Intracostal Waterway. A short trail is OK. There is little access or view of the Intracostal. I did photo an opsprey on the wing and some yellow-rump warblers. We then went to a nature trail at the University of North Fla. Here I was able to photo some pied-billed Grebe, some yellow-rump warblers and a hermit thrush. .......................... Herman

Monday, March 07, 2005, Circle B Bar
Have not had a good walk for a week. Got to Circle B about 0815 and had a talk with a rep from Environmental Lands who was working there. Then, at the first pond I hit a bonanza: 2 rossette spoonbill, 2 sandhill crane, a bunch of wood stork, white and glossy ibis, great and little egret, great and little blue heron and snowy egret. Also in the trees around the pond red-bellied woodpecker, warblers, robins and I could hear a hawk. As I was walking away the sandhills started walking in the same direction. Our paths crossed on the trail about a 100 feet away. If I had not stopped to watch them, they might have walked just a few feet from me. As it was they passed across the trail about 15 to 20 feet from me. I continued on to the marsh and photo'ed some flying duck and eastern phoebe, warbler, brown rabbit and turkey vulture. I sat a spell near the bridge and then walked on toward the lake. I saw a male common yellowbreast flitting about in the bush on the side of the canal, but never got a clear view to photo it. While walking toward the lake, I photo'ed a white ibis on a tree limb, turkey vulture, yellow-rump warbler, phoebe, great egret, green heron, great blue heron, a nice bright red cardinal, a squirrel, an anhinga, more green heron, savannah sparrow, a turtle and some more spoonbill. Got to the lake and photo'ed a great blue heron on a floating grass island. Saw that the osprey are rebuilding in a new tree a bit west of the old one. Continued walking and photo'ed a snowy egret and a large turtle on a log with a little gator. There were a lot of large gator out in the lake and many were close on shore. I photo'ed a large (at least 8 feet) on the bank. Got to the dock and sat a spell. Legs were getting tired. Left the dock and walked to the oak hammock. A large (very large) hawk flew from an oak tree. As I got close to the horse trail an eagle flew from the trees. Sat a spell on the bench and then walked on out. The two sandhill crane were still near the first pond. Nice out today, but a bit wendy. Cloudy early. I was able to take off the long sleeves early. ........................ Herman

Wednesday, March 09, 2005, Circle B Bar
Today was cool and wet. When I left home a very light sprinkle had started. I planned a work day on the pine trees as I have not been able to work on them for several weeks. As I got closer to Circle B the rain got worse. I arrived and had to cut stakes. While cutting stakes the rain let up a bit and I dicided to go ahead and work. I drove out to the trees and was able to upright about six of them before the rain got too heavy. I had observed a flying bird that I had not seen before. At first I thought that it was a Krestel, but as I was leaving I saw it on the utility wires. It appears to have been a Merlin. Due to the rain, I did not get a photo. I got a bit damp, but it felt good to do something. ....................... Herman

Friday, March 11, 2005, Circle B Bar
Started the walk about 0830 with a friend. The weather was cool with some clouds. Things seemed a bit quite at first, but we encountered a couple of Sandhill Crane to the east of the trail about the first fork in the trail. They were way out, but were grazing and drifting toward us. They got very close as we took the trail to the marsh. We were hearing several hawk and finally saw one in a tree west of the trail. Crossing the marsh we saw Great Egret, Ibis, Little Blue Heron and Mottled Duck. We hung out a bit in the area near the bridge. Saw a Great Blue Heron in the pond to the west. Photo'ed a rabbit trying to hide in the brush alongside the trail. Walking toward the lake, we saw Ibis, Great Egret, Green Heron, Little Blue Heron, Great Blue Heron, Anhinga and Wood Stork. Also many Warbler's, mostly Yellow-rumps. A group of White Pelican flew over. As we neared the lake, we saw a new Osprey nest in the top of a tree in the marsh. Two Osprey were in the nest. We also encountered Savannah Sparrow as we neared the lake. The White Pelicans made another flyover. We arrived at the lake and started walking. Photo'ed a Green Heron. Sat a spell on the bench. Saw a White Pelican on the water in the marsh. It flew when a Little Egret approached it. Saw the other two Osprey nests and both had Osprey in them. Photo'ed a nice blue flower and a Little Blue Heron. As we were walking we heard and saw a big splash at the lake shore. Saw about ten large gators swimming in that area. A bit futher on there was a large 910 foot) gator on the shore. It did not move as we walked past. We arrived at the dock and sat a spell on the bench. There were many small birds in the trees along the lake. Mostly warblers and fly catchers. We walked the east trail back to the entry. Saw an Eagle soaring after flying from the trees on the lake. It was getting on into early afternoon and the walk back was a bit quite. Good day for a walk. .................... Herman

Wednesday, March 16, 2005, Circle B Bar
Today was a workday. Got started about 0945 and finished the pine trees near the large pond near the west entry. Afterward, I drove the road on the west side to near the orange grove. I stopped several times and used binoculars to observe. Saw a hawk flying slowly over a marsh. It appeared to be hunting. It was very windy and the hawk was using the wind to hover. Also, saw what I think was a Peregrine Falcon sitting in a tree. A little futher along at a bridge over a creek, saw a large gator. on the bank. It splashed when it saw me. A little futher and I saw a Kestrel. When I returned along this path, the Kestrel was still around. Good, relatively varied scenery on this route. ................... Herman

Friday, March 18, 2005, Circle B Bar
Started the walk today about 0830. It was cold. Three friends walked with me. Just inside the gate we were accosted by a pair of Sandhill Cranes. One walked directly up to one of us. She got some very close photos. A little futher on at the first pond, we saw another pair of Sandhills. Also got a Bed-bellied Woodpecker in an oak tree and a hawk in a tree across the pond. The hawk flew and we got some photos. Took the trail toward the marsh and saw a brilliant red Cardinal. It was a bit quite crossing the marsh. Some Little Blue Heron, Anhinga, Ibis. Just after we left the bridge and started toward the lake, a couple of hawks started really fussing at us. We noticed a nest in the top of a tree. I saw one of the hawks leave the nest. Continuing on toward the lake, photoed some Great Blue Heron and Great Egret and Green Heron. Also saw Anhinga, Yellow-rump Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Savannah Sparrow, Cormorant, Ibis, Moorhen and more. Photoed a small gator just before arriving at the lake. Also saw several other small gators. After arriving at the lake got a photo of an Eastern Phoebe. Saw many large gators in the lake. Some were very close to shore and many splashed in as we got close. Saw a raccoon sleeping in the crook of a tree limb. Got some photos of it. Also photo'ed an Anhinga on the lake side and a pond turtle. After leaving the lake saw what I think was a Perregine Falcon in a tree. It flew before we could get a good look or photo. But, it had the right marking on the head. Also got a photo of a Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly. Although it was cold and a bit windy, it was a good day for a walk. ............................... Herman

Saturday, March 19, 2005, Gator Creek
Today, two friends on yesterdays walk and another from out of town met and walked Gator Creek. We started at 0830. It was cool and nice for a walk. The friend from out of town was targeting the Carolina Chickadee. We were a little way in on the main trail when we spotted several in the trees. Got a couple of good photos of the Chickadee. Also got a photo of grey squirrel sleeping on a tree limb. Just after crossing Gator Creek, we spotted a Carolina Wrenn in the top of a bush. It appeared to have nest-building material in it's beak. It disappeared into the bush. We walked along the creek, crossed it and walked back to the pond. Saw several small gators in the pond. Got a photo of a Hermit Thrush near the pond. Also photo'ed an Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly. After the walk I took the outof town friend up Rockridge Rd and Green Pond Rd to locate the Green Swamp Trail and the Van Fleet Trail. Saw several Turkey during the ride. Good day for a walk. Cool at the start, but I had to shed the long sleeve jacket about half way through. .......................... Herman

Monday, March 21, 2005, Circle B Bar
Started about 0815 today. It was cool with a threat of rain. got a photo of a butterfly and a Tri-color Heron at the start. Just befor crossing the marsh, photo'ed a brown grasshopper. While crossing the marsh photo'ed a Red-winged Blackbird and a rabbit. Got across the marsh and located the hawk nest. Could see the tail of a hawk sticking out from the nest. I unfolded the chair and had a seat. Sat watching the nest for about an hour. While sitting I also looked at other things. A small gator was in the marsh. It stayed at the same spot as long as I was there. Once it raised it's head and made gator sounds. Also photo'ed a Downy Woodpecker. The hawk in the nest was also moving around a bit. It had turned with it's head facing me. I could see that it was a Red-shoulder Hawk. Got several photos of it in the nest. I packed up the chair and crossed the bridge. Photo'ed a Common Yellowthroat just across the bridge. Walked over to the west road and then south to the end at the orange grove. Photo'ed a couple of Turkey Vultures that landed in a tree. Photo'ed several flocks of Ibis that were flying over. Also, a couple of Dove, a Phoebe and a Mockingbird. Walking back to the bridge, photo'ed a White Ibis with very bright orange legs. Looked at the hawk nest again, but it was hard to see the hawk. Photo'ed the little gator again and also another rabbit. Photo'ed a Great Blue Heron out in the marsh. It was starting to mist and I started back to the car. Saw a Pileated Woodpecker in a tree across the bridge and photo'ed it. While crossing the marsh, heard several small gator splash into the water. Saw a small gator laying across the trail. Photo'ed it. It splashed when I got close. Photo'ed a Great Egret just before leaving the marsh. Walked the horse trail to the main trail and saw 2 Fox Squirrels in an oak tree. Got several photos of them. The rain was starting to get heavier and I hurried to the car. With all the rain, it is starting to get wet. Had to wade a couple of inches of water at the start of the marsh. I was happy that I had just waterproofed my boots. Another good day on the trail. ........................ Herman

Friday, March 25, 2005, Circle B Bar
Today I arrived a little after 7 and entered the west gate with my car. I was looking for two Sandhill Cranes that have two chicks. I have not seen them yet. Photo'ed a Savannah Sparrow near the buildings. Drove down the west road a bit and then drove toward the east gate. Near tha east gate I saw two Sandhills. Drove back toward the west gate. About midway the pond I spotted another Sandhill to the south. Stopped to look. Behind me were the Sandhill from the east gate. They were trumpeting. Another Sandhill flew to them from the south. I watched other one that appeared to be shy. It dissappeared into the grass. The other three appeared to be interested in me and followed me back to the west gate. It was nearing 0830 and I had told several people that I would start from the east gate at 830. No one showed up and I walked alone. The weather was threatening rain and overcast and windy. I walked the east trail to the dock In the area of the horse trail I photo'ed a blue flower and a Spicebush Swallowtail. Near the lake a young Eagle flew from the oak trees. I spotted Two Red-bellied woodpeckers on a palmtree with the top missing. They appeared to be nesting in a hole near the top. Photo'ed them. There was a group of Wood Stork near the lake. Photo'ed them until they flew. Sat a spell near the dock and considered whether to continue due to the weather. I decided to walk around the marsh. On the lake side there were many gators. Photo'ed some and also Yellow-rump Warblers. All three Osprey nests had Osprey sitting in them. Saw an Eagle sitting way out in the marsh. I could hear some new sounds, but did not identify any of them. Started walking along Banana Creek canal and photo'ed some gators and three Sandhill Cranes. Saw an American Bittern fly from the canal to the marsh on the other side. Got to the hawk nest and did not see any hawks. I was starting to feel some light mist, so I headed for the car. The water along the trail across the marsh was high. It was deeper at the east end, but still low enough for my hiking boots. Have to keep the boots waterproofed this year. Saw another eagle flying just as I left the marsh. Got to the car and photo'ed a caterpiller on the door. Nasty day today and tomorrow is supposed to be the same. This is going to be a wet year. ...................... Herman

Wednesday, March 30, 2005, Circle B Bar
Today was a workday. I arrived a little after 7 and cut stakes for the trees. I was in the area closer to the east entry and today I finished the trees. Two Sandhill Cranes were feeding in the area while I worked and two Belted Kingfisher flew overhead several times. I finished about 0930 and then walked from the east gate to the lake. Saw a few Robins, Ospreys and hawks. Walked back via the oak hammock trail and took a couple of trips off trail toward the marsh. It is dry and the grass is short, so it is easy. There was Wood Stork, Egret and Herons in the pond. Saw Pileated Woodpecker and Red-bellied Woodpecker. Photo'ed a White Pelican flying over. Several White Pelican were out on the lake. Saw two Eagles fly from the oaks. Three Sandhill Cranes were feeding on the lake side. Photo'ed what I think is a Palm Warbler eating worms in an oak tree. Two more Sandhill Crane were in the north pond. Got back to the car and drove the west road from the west gate. Went all the way to the orange grove. Saw a Red-shouldered Hawk sitting in a tree and got some good photos. It flew and I drove in that direction and saw it again in a fallen tree. It flew up into another tree and sat a spell. It then dropped straight down and flew up with a rat. Just after I crossed the creek on the return, saw a Krestel in a tree. Had to get close, but got some distant photos. Weather today was good and clear. Cool early and warm later. .......................... Herman