December Florida Panhandle Birding: Part I

It had been 21 months before a return trip to the Florida Panhandle for wildlife observation with bud Tom Obrock in early December 2014.

The juvenile Red-tailed Hawk above (image 1) was photographed near Florida Caverns State Park in December 2014.

This latest journey allowed a bit more time to investigate the area. We left Fort Myers in time to arrive at our first destination to find that Florida Caverns State Park was in the Central Time Zone and was not to open for another hour.

The Vesper Sparrow above (image 2) was photographed near Florida Caverns State Park in December 2014.

The Savannah Sparrow above (image 3) was photographed near Florida Caverns State Park in December 2014.

Tom advised that we travel to look for Horned Lark observed in the area which we unfortunately missed. There were fortunately abundant sparrows and other species that captivated our attention. As always, I invite correction of any misidentified species.

The Savannah Sparrow above (image 4) was photographed near Florida Caverns State Park in December 2014.

The Yellow-rumped Warbler above (image 5) was photographed at Florida Caverns State Park in December 2014.

When we returned to our initial destination, it was fun to get familiar with the surroundings. It was impressive to see the "high water" marker of 1975 that showed the Chipola River about 15 feet above the river's elevation at the time of our visit.

The Winter Wren above (image 6) was photographed at Florida Caverns State Park in December 2014.

The Winter Wren above (image 7) was photographed at Florida Caverns State Park in December 2014.

On the south side of Fish Hatchery Road, Tom chose the west side of the river while I investigated the east. After what seemed a half hour I was certain that I was on the wrong side of the Chipola River.

The Hermit Thrush above (image 8) was photographed at Florida Caverns State Park in December 2014.

The Hermit Thrush above (image 9) was photographed at Florida Caverns State Park in December 2014.

Catching up with Tom on the west side, he was excited to point out observation of a target species. The Winter Wren seen was a lifer for us both. At this same spot, we observed other activity that included two more lifers for me which were Golden-crowned Kinglet and Hermit Thrush.

The Golden-crowned Kinglet above (image 10) was photographed at Florida Caverns State Park in December 2014.

The Golden-crowned Kinglet above (image 11) was photographed at Florida Caverns State Park in December 2014.

The light was challenging for photography at this location. Nonetheless an ideal spot to patiently wait for species moving through. I caught a glimpse of a Ruby-crowned Kinglet, but it will remain uncounted on my list as I did not photograph it.

The Downy Woodpecker above (image 12) was photographed at Florida Caverns State Park in December 2014.

The Eastern Bluebird above (image 13) was photographed at Florida Caverns State Park in December 2014.

Tom and I made our way to the Blue Hole Spring at Florida Caverns State Park. It was a treat to photograph the birds that were very numerous and active here. I failed to see Tom's Pine Siskins and Chipping Sparrow at this gorgeous spot.

The Yellow-rumped Warbler above (image 14) was photographed at Florida Caverns State Park in December 2014.

The Cedar Waxwing above (image 15) was photographed at Florida Caverns State Park in December 2014.

Onward to Torreya State Park where we would stay and camp in relative luxury. It turned out to be a very long day but was very rewarding.

The Eastern Bluebird above (image 16) was photographed at Florida Caverns State Park in December 2014.

The Yellow-rumped Warbler above (image 17) was photographed at Florida Caverns State Park in December 2014.

Please also see December Florida Panhandle Birding: Part II
Please also see December Florida Panhandle Birding: Part III