January 30, 2011

While most of the riders went north and rode 61 miles, John and I went south. He was taking an R and R day because of his cold.

We drove to the city of Cape Coral. Following Jim McCormac's directions, we were able to locate several Burrowing Owl nesting sites. Managed to see 5 Owls. One was flying and landed on the wires. The others poked their heads out of the holes and stared at us. This was my 244th Florida state bird.

We then traveled to Corkscrew Swamp and walked the boardwalk. John did the long walk of 2 miles. I did the short one of 1.3 miles. Painted Buntings were feeding in two different areas. There are 3 Red-shouldered Hawks nests in the area this year. A few warblers were feeding in the trees, Black and White Warblers, Pine Warblers, Yellow-rumps, Palms, and an early Louisiana Waterthrush. Also seen Great-crested Flycatcher, Blue-headed Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, as well as several Herons, Egrets, and Woodpeckers.

On the way back to Venice we had dinner at a Bob Evans.