Florida. The last installment.

OK don't worry .This is the last installment of my holiday adventure. It was a family holiday and not a dedicated birdwatching hol but still lots of birding opportunities. We stayed in Orlando but also had an overnight stay at Clearwater. I was a bit apprehensive about the driving but after a couple of days I was cruising the freeways of florida no problem. All of the birds of prey and egrets/herons were seen around LakeTohopekaligo which was only a 20 minute drive from orlando. One of the best ways to reach the inaccessible areas of the lake was by going on the airboat trips. This is how I connected with birds like Roseate Spoonbill, least bittern and purple gallinule. A trip to the coast was needed and we stayed over a Clearwater for the night. We drove down to the St Petersberg area were we connected with black skimmer,caspian tern,magnificent frigatebird and most of the waders and terns.

We did not rake up a massive list but 95 species were seen in total. I have always wanted to see Roseate spoonbill for some reason. Black skimmer has always been another with its strange bill suited to its feeding technique and how can you not be impressed with the Swallow tailed kite.

A great family and birding holiday.

Floridian Passerines

Northern Cardinal
Eastern Kingbird
Bluejay
Belted kingfisher
Downy woodpecker
red bellied woodpecker
Yellow throated warbler
Northern parula