October

October is a wonderful time of year for birding here in Northeast Florida. Some of our summer birds are still lingering. Some of our winter birds are starting to arrive. Migratory birds are passing through.

painted bunting

So what birds have you been seeing in the last weeks? Palm warblers and eastern phoebes have begun to show up. In the last couple days I've had a painted bunting and an indigo bunting at my feeders.

palm warbler

Warblers are certainly in abundance right now too. If you feel uncomfortable with your warbler skills it's a great time to join a group bird walk. More birds always seem to get spotted where there are many eyes looking.

eastern phoebe

St. Johns Audubon is currently going through a reorganization and we have no bird walks or field trips scheduled at present. But there are always other options.

Duval Audubon has a full slate of trips scheduled.

Volunteer Arliss Ryan leads monthly walks at Fort Mose and Anastasia State Park. Contact her to get on her mailing list of when the walks are scheduled as it varies from month to month depending on the tides. Note that her Fort Mose walk for October is this Sunday, October 20, at 9 AM.

Flager Audubon also has some walks scheduled.

So get out there and brush up on your birding skills. Enjoy this perfect time of the year.