FL to PA Day 4: Birding around Florida, March 8

On March 8, we took Alex to a place that we have seen scrub jays many times while checking on whooping cranes. At least 6 made an appearance, and Alex got an up close look at a new life bird. Scrub jays are very particular, and prefer scrub that is 6-8 feet tall. They are very curious, and it didn't take long to find them. In the area we also saw a few sandhill cranes and many turkeys, in addition to a gopher tortoise.

Florida scrub jay

sandhill crane

gopher tortoise

Next we went to the Crystal River NWR office to say hi to a few people that work at the office. We were told there was a barred owl living in a cavity near the office, and after a quick search, I spotted him on a big branch of a live oak covered with spanish moss. He was very vocal and also very active flying from branch to branch, and it was a great photo opportunity!

barred owl Crystal River, FL

Later in the day, Alex and I took a walk near Eva and Sara's house, and found this common buckeye. It was very small; apparently butterflies are smaller in the spring when there is less food, versus later in the summer.

common buckeye, Crystal River, FL