Birds, Words, Pics + TV
Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is a great place for birding, and that includes during the dog days of summer.
The 11-mile drive along the lake’s north shore draws a variety of birds. Sure, there are more birds and more species during fall and winter, but the former muck-farm-turned-wetlands is home to a number of species year-round.
Oh, and alligators … lots and lots and lots of alligators.
I made multiple visits there recently and was surprised by what I saw at this time of year. Take a look:
I saw my first Eastern Towhee at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge back in March, but I’ve seen many more send then at the UCF Arboretum. The scrub bush landscape there is perfect for these colorful orange and black birds.
Yards in front of my car, a Peregrine Falcon swooped down and grabbed a Common Gallinule, taking the bird to the top of a power pole for breakfast.
The new birds are a Harrier, Hermit Thrush, Crested Caracara, House Wren and Red-tailed Hawk.