I spent the morning and early afternoon in Sax-Zim Bog. A hike into the Winterberry Bog yielded a rare sighting, a male American Three-Toed Woodpecker. Given the remote wilderness areas this woodpecker inhabits, most folks would never see this bird. In addition, this woodpecker never visits feeders … flaking off bark for its tasty meals found underneath.
American Three-Toed Woodpecker
I also had fun watching this Northern Hawk Owl hunt. Just like when I last saw this bird almost 7 weeks ago, it is hanging out near a logging operation enjoying voles and mice scared up by crashing trees.
Northern Hawk Owl
Finally, for those of you in Florida, Molly and I are coming south. We will be in the Fort Myers area between January 23rd and 30th. Suggestions for birding excursions are definitely most welcome … perhaps even meeting some of you Floridians!
My thanks to Ed L. who took me over to the Bog today. While I am driving and my eyes are much, much better … it is nice to be a passenger.
Hi Rich,
I enjoy reading your blog but I’ve never commented before, so thank you for writing it and sharing your expertise. I have been to the Ft Myers area many times for photography and bird watching (mainly photography) so I have lots of recommendations. I’m sure you know all about the Sanibel beaches and Ding Darling, so I won’t comment except to say that the traffic congestion on Sanibel can be awful.
I love Bunche Beach (herons, osprey, spoonbills etc). I’ve seen all sorts of birds there. Photography is great.
Corkscrew, as Sherry says, is excellent. Not far from Corkscrew is Shady Hollow which has an 11 miles hiking trail (with alligators that may need to be negotiated) and lots of birds. I’d avoid the weekend.
Harns Marsh – notable for limpkin and snail kites, but lots of other stuff including sandhill cranes (with babies when I was there last March). Definitely recommended.
Six Mile Cypress Slough is closer to Ft Myers and like a mini-Corkscrew. It’s all boardwalk, and very busy, but there is usually lots to see – snakes, alligators and turtles, the usual herons, limpkin, and small birds like titmice and Carolina wrens even in the middle of the day.
Lover’s Key State Park – you can kayak with the manatees.
Honestly, just about everywhere that isn’t concreted over (and some of the places that are) teems with wild life – saw some great birds at the driving range when my husband was taking a golf lesson – eastern meadowlarks, loggerhead shrike, curlew etc.
Hope this helps. Jill
Thanks Jill … for being a long time reader, but a first time commenter. Appreciate the Fort Myers birding information. After spending so much time out in the cold today, it will nice to feel the warmth!
The Corkscrew Swamp Audubon Preserve is definitely worthwhile. We went in November.
As always, I’m so happy to see your beautiful up-north bird pics. But–you’re coming to Florida and I can’t wait to see those pics! So good to hear your vision is improving.