July '98 News Letter

The wetland area is located about 12 miles East of the end of the Orlando East-West expressway (RT 408) off of State road 50 (Colonial Drive) in Christmas, Florida. If you are coming from the Kennedy Space center, the park is about 10 miles West of Interstate 95 off of Route 50 (I95 Exit 79).

Just turn North on County Road 420 (road to Ft.Christmas) go 2.3 miles and then turn East on Wheeler Road, an unpaved road. Admission is free. The hours are from 7 A.M. to 1/2 hr before sunset.
(The park is closed from October 1 - January 20)

The wetlands provide food and cover for over 150 bird species, River Otter, Deer, Raccoon, Rabbits and Wild Boar.

NOTE: We've seen the rutting's of the Wild Boar but have not sighted one at this park.

Park your car at the entrance, sign the logbook and take your pick of several trails.

• There is a hiking trail that passes the East End of a pristine lake.
• A Four-mile walk/jog Loop. -- we seldom see joggers
• Our favorite is the two-mile Birding Route.
• A four mile bird hike is also possible.

The birding trails are on elevated berms and are a flat, easy walk. Even though the bird trail is a walking tour there are benches about every one-quarter of a mile. The best times for viewing are as soon as the park opens in the morning and late afternoon.
The park is patrolled regularly by the friendly knowledgeable staff.

This location is an excellent site for Limpkin, Great Egret, Purple Gallinule, Common Moore Hen, Great Blue Heron, Little Blue Heron, White and Glossy Ibis, Common Grackle, Red-winged Blackbird and Fish Crow.

In the fall, winter and spring it is home to Bald Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, American Coot, Pied-billed Grebe, Merlin, Red Shouldered Hawk and even nesting Wood Duck.

On a recent trip I was privileged to see numerous groups of 10 to 20 Great White Egret going to roost. I also saw three deer bounding across the shallow wetlands and a Raccoon that kept his distance but was not overly concerned by my presence.

We like to find a comfortable spot and just sit until life opens up around us. It is a great way to spend a morning or late afternoon.

Oh, by the way, it is a wetland park and it is summer, so be sure to bring your sunscreen and insect repellent.

Even with the dry weather we have been experiencing this Summer, there is still a wide variety of birds to be seen.

Remember if you've visited the area and have seen some interesting bird and wildlife sights, send us an email and we'll pass it along.

Thanks for visiting the Central Florida Bird Watcher's Web Site.
A more complete listing of birds in the Central Florida area can be found at our Recommended Locations

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