Highlands County Audubon Society's Photo Gallery Royce Ranch April 23, 2026
Such a beautiful day to be outside. This hot spot in Highlands County near Lake Placid and on Lake Istokpoga never fails to produce. Imagine different habitats to provide different species. This was the final scheduled trip until September when we return from our hiatus. L-R Rodney, Peter, Ken, Susan V, Jen, Rita (our leader for the day), Dale, Dorothy, Sue N. and not in photo Roberta.
Rita, our leader, with her data, showing us what is inside the boxes where the bluebirds nest. She takes care of the boxes and records the data. This bluebird trail is much smaller than the 60+ boxes it once had when Bud Warren started it and kept the records. We need to give a shoutout to Dave Forman for reviving it for the past decade plus. Now it is in competent hands with Rita.
Royce Ranch Unit has so many different habitats thus the different species. Thank you Peter for your eBird records. Bird of the day...Black-throated Blue Warler
It is wonderful to have Dale and Dorothy go earlier than the rest of us. They spent much time wading into the peace pond marsh and captured birds that were not accessible to the rest of us. They joined us later. Thank you for the added species..
Jen holds the door open, Rita holds the nesting material while Sue Njus photographs it. Rodney and Susan V look on while Peter continues to bird the area.
Two days prior there were 4 baby bluebirds in this box. When Rodney opened the door he was startled to see the corn snake.
Highlands County Audubon Society's Trip to Lake June In Winter State Park April 9 2026
The Cape May Warbler was our bird of the day. When I awoke to rain hitting my metal roof, I thought about calling everyone and cancelling this trip to Lake June In Winter State Park. I took a quick look at the radar and decided that we could probably bird the park until 11:00, so I packed up and met ten other folks who decided to chance it too. We do need rain to end our extended drought, and i
Cape May Warbler - Photo by Eli Toulouse. Note the chestnut cheek patch
Cape May Warbler - Photo by Eli Toulouse
Red-Headed Woodpecker - Photo by Peter Lewia -
Red-Headed Woodpecker - Photo by Peter Lewia -
Species List – Lake June in Winter State Park – April 9, 2026, Thank you, Peter Lewia, for keeping the list – 32 species in 2+ hours (rainy day)
Common Ground Dove, Mourning Dove, White Ibis, Roseate Spoonbill, Cattle Egret, Black Vulture, Osprey, Bald Eagle, RH Woodpecker, RB Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Great Crested Flycatcher, White-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, Florida Scrub
Highlands County Audubon's Trip to a Local Treasure - Platt Branch WEA -
Yesterday's trip to our local Treasure, Platt Branch in Venice, was challenging to spot birds because of the very thick fog that did not burn off early. We had 15 folks including two newbies. Welcome Dan and Evelyn we hope to see you on another adventure. Steve Shattler took the fog situation and turned it into a living classroom. We walked the scrub looking at all the varied oaks, berry bushe
The fog was very dense when we listened to Steve Shattler telling a bit about the history of Platt Branch upon our arrival that morning.
Platt Branch has several families of Florida Scrub Jays. This photo is of a mated pair.
Steve Shattler keeping our attention as the fog refuses to lift. He told us and showed us many of the different oaks, and one oak still had acorns on it.
On our walk through the scrub toward the overlook Steve Shattler told us all about this Gallberry plant and the critters who rely on it. Checkout the fog in the background.
This Gopher Tortoise burrow is a haven for many critters. The gopher tortoise is a keystone species that has a large effect on its environment. Many other species use its burrow. As we all know most habitats in this part of Florida are fire dependent and that's where the burrow helps. Smaller species use it to survive during a fire. In addition Indigo Snakes frequently use it as a home, as do
Highlands County Audubon Society's Trip to Avon Park Air Force Range - January 10 2026
What a fine day to be outside, especially if you are on a 100+ acre Air Force property. We logged over 35 miles traveling to different habitats. This photo is the first stop, where there were plenty of Florida Scrub Jays. Thank you Patrick Blake for a delightful day at the Range.
Fifty-three (53) species is great. Thank you, Peter Lewia, for keeping this count.
The Florida Scrub Jay is a very Social bird. Not visible are the bands.
This photo shows the bands on the Florida Scrub Jay used by Archbold Biological Station in their research to identify this particular bird.
Jamey, Susan, and Martie are scanning the area for birds.
Highlands County Audubon Society's Photo Gallery: Trip to Circle-B-Bar Nov. 20, 2025
YOU SHOULD HAVE GONE
This day was absolutely amazing. The weather was perfect. Low temperature in the morning (for Florida, that is), with warming temps as the day progressed. Best of all, there was little to no wind and tons of birds enjoying this near perfect day along with our group of twelve.
YOU MUST SCROLL THROUGH TO VIEW ALL THESE AMAZING PHOTOS
This Great Egret was perched perfectly to view its surroundings and soak up the morning sun,
Photo by Dorothy Harris
This beautiful Barred Owl greeted Dorothy and her group as they entered Circle B Bar. What a great start to what turned out to be a fantastic birding day.
Photo by Dorothy Harris
This Blue-headed Vireo had everyone's attention at the start of the trail. It appears to be watching us as much as we are watching it.
Photo by Dorothy Harris
Who doesn't like to watch Belted Kingfishers? They sometimes pose for photos, and other times they take off flying, chattering as they go.
Photo by Dorothy Harris
This photo sure shows the Yellow-throated Warbler's signature marking.
Photo by Dorothy Harris
A Photo Gallery by Highlands County Audubon Society at Corkscrew Swamp Sancturary November 6, 2025
Ray & Kay Rongley, Sue Njus, Susan Volpitta, Ken & Jen, Peter Lewia & Marti Merrell, and Roberta had an interesting trip down to Corkscrew. We picked up a few species in transit but we mostly laughed & talked. At a bridge on Hwy 29 Ken & Jen were concerned about the traffic being so close. It was hard not to stop and go over to the bridge to see so many Black-crowned night Herons and such.
Here we are on the boardwalk minus Sue Njus who took the photo and Ray and Kay who haven't found us yet. Just look at this place. If you have not been to Corkscrew Swamp you must go. Seven-hundred-year-old cypress trees, ghost orchids, and plenty birds will be etched in your memory.
Sally Stein who has been with Audubon at Corkscrew for 25 years showed us this delicate Clamshell Orchid. Again, if you have not been here you must go. The other crowning event was when Peter spotted the Wilson's Warbler. Even Sally was thrilled to see it.
Highlands County Audubon Society's Photos Myakka River State Park Oct. 23 2025
Sue Njus, Susan Volpitta, Roberta Lake, Peter Lewia, and Martie Merrill rode down to Myakka River State Park with anticipation. As we approached, it was made clear that this summer's lack of rain was going to be a determining factor. Sue Njus was delighted to finally spot an enormous group of approximately 50 Roseate Spoonbills across the lake from the bird walk (which is still closed) Thank yo
50 + Roseate Spoonbills... groups like this all down the shoreline
It seems Roseate Spoonbills will pal comfortably with others. Seen here is a Glossy Ibis at the water's edge with two fine Spoonbills
Thee two beauties and the very well camouflaged Limpkin were spotted where the river comes into the lake.
Look closely and you will see two species wanting the same catch. The anhinga has it speared while the egret is being patient maybe hoping the fish will fall.
Great-blue Heron hunting at the water's edge
Highlands County Audubon Society's Trip to Highlands Hammock State Park October, 2025
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Highlands County Audubon Society's First Two Field Trips - NW Lake O and Scrub Pens Rd, Istokpoga Park, with Spring Lake STA - September, 2025
HCAS- Trip to Royce Unit WEA Lake Placid - Bluebird Trail (Click on photo for explanation)
Highlands County Audubon Society's Photo Gallery of 2025 trip to Ft. DeSoto
Nine people total traveled to the west coast of Florida to visit Ft. DeSoto. They walked 5 miles with 6.5 hours on the ground. 9AM to 3:30PM. Dorothy commented that they had to work hard for the 76 species because of the wind. A favorite spot on the islnd was the mulberry tree that attracted many birds when in fruit. Unfortunately the last hurricane decimated it. I say good job & a good count
8 members are intently looking toward the serf. Note the bridge on the horizon.
Under construction:
Photos and accounts of birds to follow...
A Photo Gallery by Highlands County Audubon Society / Ft Desoto 2025
Highlands County Audubon Society's Photos of Three Trips: Celery Fields, Avon Park Air Force Range, & Green Cay/Wakodahatchee https://ebird.org/checkl
Highlands County Audubon Society Trip to Platt Branch 2025
It is always fun to visit Platt Branch. Steve Shattler the Lead Biologist and Manager of this large parcel not only knows it like the back of his hand but he is the perfect steward. Thank you for leading our group today.
A Three-Part Birding Experience. In Transit, At Cape Coral Pelican Sports Complex, and Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve Boardwalk in Lee County.
Thank you Dorothy Harris for keeping the species list and these amazing photos. Not a bad count for a rare cold Florida day. Our trip started out at 35 degrees and somewhat windy. That may be the reason only three of us went on this trip. We managed to have a wonderful day in spite of the weather. Dorothy Harris, Susan Volpitta, and I would do it again.
Make sure you click on "+ Show More"
In case you did not get a chance to attend see Roberta for a map and make the trip. It is worth it. Pelican Sports Complex, Cape Coral Fl.
Burrowing Owl standing a burrow mouth at Pelican Sports Complex Lee County, Cape Coral, Fl
Pair of Burrowing Owls, Pelican Sports Complex
Monk Parakeet, also know as the Monk Parrot or Quaker Parrot. Pelican Sports Complex
Dorothy, Roberta, and Susan at Six Mile Cypress Slough.
