3-7-20 Trip Report: Crooked River State Park

Thanks to all of you that joined us last Saturday at Crooked River State Park. The turnout was one of our largest to date and the location did not disappoint. Despite the strong wind from the north that suppressed many birds we had great views of Red-breasted Merganser, Bald Eagle, Osprey, Cedar Waxwings, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and White-eyed Vireo. Dan Kossman took great photos that I have attached that show the birds better than our binoculars. The bird checklist at the park was incomplete as I listed more than 15 species we observed not on their list. Apparently the list cut off at hummingbirds and did not have a second page. We either saw or heard over 30 species.We missed Pine Warbler and Brown-headed Nuthatch although we had a probable Nuthatch in flight.

Our next trip will be the last Saturday of March, the 28th, at Ralph Simmons State Forest located along the St. Mary’s River. The habitat is different than our typical trip with the potential of Turkey, Bobwhites and Bachman’s Sparrows. A detailed notice will be sent closer to the 28th.
We are working on a website and will advise you once we have one available for viewing. Our work group would like to include a map of Amelia Island with graphics. If any of you have experience with graphic design, please email me if you can help us.
Good Birding,