by Bob Lewis
The October field trip to the Lower Suwannee Wildlife Preserve, may have been our smallest, as only Bob and Holly met up at the Dixie Mainline Nature Trail. What a great day for birding with 22 species identified including a Ruffed Grouse and a Great White Egret that surprised both of us by its curious gyrations.
We sighted it along the trail in a water-filled ditch that ran parallel to the road. Standing still, it began whipping its long neck and head front to back in a manner that mimicked fly fishermen casting in a stream. Neither of us had ever seen this behavior before. What was it doing? Possibly getting the attention of critters in the water? It was so captivating that Bob forgot to take a video of its performance, so a still picture will have to do.
After 5 miles we came to a county road, turned left and headed to the Gulf at a boat launching site. The bay was a fine observation point and the view of the Gulf of Mexico was outstanding. The weather was clear and sunny but an offshore fog blanketed the horizon at about 25 feet above the water. Next time it might be better to schedule for November, so more have the opportunity to enjoy this “hot spot” on the north side of the river near the village of Suwannee.
