Yesterday morning I visited Marl Bed Flats again. I’m pretty amazed at how good this place has been in May. It’s given me several Seminole County firsts, including a Short-billed Dowitcher, Stilt Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper and now a Semipalmated Plover. Black-necked Stilts are still here, though in much smaller numbers; now only about 4 remain (out of over 40 in April). I’ve seen 12 species of shorebirds here over the last week–I’m not sure what it is about this inland location that’s attractive to them, but I’m not complaining.
And strangely enough there’s also at least one Savannah Sparrow still here. It’s three weeks late in leaving us. As best I can tell it’s healthy, so it’s really puzzling to me. Maybe it wants to stay for the June Challenge, but I suspect that’s too much to hope for.
Scott Simmons
Scott Simmons, based in Florida, is a lover of nature, landscape, and wildlife photography. Scott became interested in photography in 2001 when he was given his first SLR camera. When he acquired a telephoto lens, he became progressively more interested in birds and other wildlife. Scott enjoys learning about bird habitats and behavior, striving always to take images that are both beautiful and interpretive. Scott believes photography is a great vehicle to help others to appreciate the wonder for the stuff of earth.
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