I somewhat managed to balance birding with running during the first part of the year, but after a long road trip out west in August and September I had to focus on running and my time for birding really suffered.
In July I completed just 5 local bird checklists, visiting only Gemini Springs and the Lake Monroe Boat Ramp. I counted 24 species and took no photos of note.
In August we were away for just over half the month and I did no local birding at all.
In September we returned just following Hurricane Irma. I visited Gemini Springs, damaged and heavily flooded from the storm, one time. I counted 26 species. And a lot of happy little frogs.
Flooding at Gemini Springs following Hurricane Irma | 27 September 2017
Tiny tadfrog at Gemini Springs | 27 September 2017
In October I got excited to look for local migrants. I recorded 11 checklists for 71 species observed. Gemini Springs and other parks along the St. Johns remained heavily flooded. The frogs were still happy; I had to watch my footing during a bunch of morning runs.
Another tiny froglet at Gemini Springs | 04 October 2017
ALL OF THOSE LITTLE DOTS ARE TINY FROGS! | 04 October 2017
Florida Softshell Turtle in our neighborhood | 06 October 2017
OMG A BIRD! Northern Waterthrush at Mariner’s Cove | 08 October 2017
Green Treefrog that spent a couple of months on our living room window | 09 October 2017
Another happy frog at Gemini Springs | 16 October 2017
Debris from the storm lined roads in central Florida for weeks following the storm. River City Nature Park in DeBary was taken over by big steaming heaps of mulched debris.
Piles of mulched debris from Hurricane Irma at River City Nature Park | 20 October 2017
Bald Eagle at River City Nature Park | 20 October 2017
Gemini Springs was full of Prairie Warblers on 24 October 2017
In November and December I DIDN’T GO BIRDING AT ALL! Take away my birder card, I’m a fraud! I did run through Gemini Springs a few times. The water finally receded below the fishing pier and dam in December (!).
This grass field was under water for almost three months! Taken 04 December 2017
I saw a bird on a run! Red-shouldered Hawk on the Spring-to-spring Trail on 09 December 2017
Bring on 2018! I hope for a better balance between birding and running going forward. We’ll see. First — I’m Dopey!
2 Responses to Green Birding Southwest Volusia County, 2nd Half 2017