For spring break I took a week long birding trip with Ian Gardner, Josh Lefever, and Mark Mizak. We covered a good portion of southern Florida, the Atlantic side of Florida, and some interior sites near the Gulf coast side. I ended up with 21 lifers, which was the most I have had in a while. Reptiles and amphibians were also around in good number and I ended up getting quite a few lifer herps as well.
We observed approximately 150 bird species, although it may end up being a few more once all the sightings are entered in eBird. Sometimes we would be looking at a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, and Swainson’s Hawk, which felt more like Kansas than south Florida. Vermilion Flycatcher, Florida Scrub Jay, Short-tailed Hawk, and Red-cockaded Woodpecker were just a few of the highlight from our trip. Nice weather, good planning, and a little bit of luck really helped to make this trip fantastic. Here are some photo highlights from our trip. More posts (with photos) will be coming shortly.
One of several male Yellow-headed Blackbirds
Burrowing Owl
Florida Gopher Frog
Black-necked Stilt
