Red-Shouldered Hawk

I saw this majestic red-shouldered hawk while I was wandering the hiking trails at Oakland Nature Preserve. The hawk was perched right above me, so I took some decent photos. However, several bikers on the West Orange Trail stopped to take a look and the hawk decided enough was enough and took off. According to the Audubon Field Guide, the red-shouldered hawk is “A hawk of the woodlands, often heard before it is seen. The clear whistled calls of this hawk are conspicuous, especially in spring; in the east, Blue Jays often give a near-perfect imitation of this call. Over much of eastern North America the Red-shoulder has become uncommon, sticking closely to the remaining forests. Populations in Florida and California are often more visible, perhaps adapting better to open habitats.”

Hike #17: Crooked River Preserve


Hike #17, 52 Hike Challenge: Crooked River Preserve. Clermont. Surrounded by sprawling development, Crooked River Preserve is a quiet and scenic oasis of wilderness that protects 64 acres of waterfront on Lake Louisa and along the Palatlakaha River. Crooked River Preserve is composed of several short trails that loop around and which hikers can knock out in about an hour: Cypress Trail, Titi Trail, Sink Trail and Fern Trail. Highly recommended! Wildlife sighting: Red-Shouldered Hawk. Distance: 1.7 miles.

 

Hike #10: Gemini Springs Park, DeBary


Hike #10, 52 Hike Challenge: Gemini Springs Park, DeBary. We had a nice stroll around 210-acre Gemini Springs Park this morning. The springs are actually closed to swimming due to high bacteria levels (but that makes the park all that more peaceful for those of us who just want to wander around and explore!). The park features a small campsite, fishing dock and playground, as well as several nature trails. Located at 37 Dirksen Drive (off U.S. 17/92), Gemini Springs Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset; admission is free. Wildlife sightings: American White Ibis (No. 5 on Birding Life List), Bobcat, Red-Shouldered Hawk (No. 6). Distance: 1.5 miles.