We arrived at Cedar Key, Shell Mound Campground, in the afternoon, but with time for a sunset walk. I saw two birds new to my life list - Marsh Hawk (Northern Harrier), which I'm sure I've seen but not identified, and American Avocets, a small flock feeding in the very shallow water of the boat ramp.
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| Shell Mound Campground |
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| American Avocets |
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| Sunset from boat ramp trail |
Sunday, January 26
Walked the Shell Mound circuit to the fishing pier where I saw lots of wading birds. Most noteable were oystercatchers.
Went into Cedar Key town for a late lunch, clam baskets, at Steamers. |
| Wood Storks |
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| Camp supper |
Monday, January 27
Road trip to Crystal River Preserve, which turned out to be a disappointment. Went on the Three Sisters Spring in the town of Crystal River. The springs are beautiful and full of manatees, too many to count! Volunteers said 140-150. Pine warbler and Anhinga were birds of note.
Tuesday, January 28
Road trip to Lower Suwanee NWR. At the entrance to the nature drive we saw a bald eagle, but after that we saw almost no wildlife or birds.
Returned to Cedar Key town to spend the night at the Island Hotel. It is a charming, historic hotel that dates back to 1859 when it was built as a general store. We enjoyed our own wine and cheese cocktail hour on the balcony overlooking the main street. We had dinner downstairs in the very crowded bar. I had a delicious Steamed Clams in Garlic Butter sauce.
The included breakfast was in the main dining room - a full served breakfast. The Island Hotel is more like a B&B than a hotel.
Wednesday, January 29
On the way to Titusville, we detoured by Blue Springs. It did not disappoint. There were lots of manatees, one big alligator and several anhingas. We walked the trail to the source of the spring, a huge crevase at the bottom of the pool which is the mouth of a huge cavern that goes down 110 ft and is as long. It pumps 10 million gal of water per day.
