Florida Keys Hawkwatch

The Florida Keys Hawkwatch is dedicated to promoting the appreciation and conservation of birds of prey by committing to the long-term study of their migration through the Florida Keys.

For the past two days, I have had the extreme pleasure of helping count migrating raptors alongside Rafael Gálvez and Jim Eager at Curry Hammock State Park in Marathon, Florida.  Before yesterday, I had only seen 2 Peregrine Falcons. Yesterday, in only a few hours, I saw 163!   I also saw Kestrels, Bald Eagles, Hawks, and many more birds.  Words cannot describe what an amazing experience this was for me.  Rafael and Jim are the most dedicated and skilled researchers I have ever met.

If you ever find yourself anywhere in the Florida Keys (between September 15th and November 13th), stop by Curry Hammock State Park and watch this amazing group spot and identify these birds; you will be both inspired and enlightened.


For further info, go to the Florida Keys Hawkwatch website:
http://floridakeyshawkwatch.wordpress.com/

Just a few of the many, many birds I saw . . . 

A beautiful sunset over the Florida Keys

A visit to Mt. Dora (Florida)

Mt.  Dora is a cool little town in central Florida.  It's known for it's HUGE flea market and antique shops.  It's a fun place to visit!

The day started out with a sighting of this beautiful Sandhill Crane.  Naturally, I jumped out of the car to annoy and photograph him!

When he finally had enough of me, he meandered

off to join his mate (who really wasn't tolerating me!)

Gas is cheap (relatively speaking!) in central Florida!

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN MT. DORA

A pretty little town to walk around -- lots of shops and restaurants.

Stopped in for a spot of tea and lunch at this pretty little Tea Room.  It was a nice choice - big menu and good service.  Best bread I have ever eaten!  (I didn't really have a "spot of tea," I just wanted to say that.) 

This is the huge, gigantor flea market and farmer's market.  The produce and herbs they sell are beautiful.  There is also row after row after row of junk to buy!

I didn't try this one!

I opted for the plain cherry! 

 The flea market sells all kinds of flowers and plants too.

Fantastic place to buy Nepenthis

And orchids 

ANTIQUES (expensive junk)

WTF?  Who would wear this?

Again, WTF??

You know you're old when you've grown up listening to a "record player" and now it's classified as an "antique!"

And, the very best part of my Mt. Dora trip was seeing

my longtime buddy who I hadn't seen in 7 years!