The Sarasota Audubon Society schedules monthly walks at the Celery Fields from 8 – 10 a.m. on selected Saturday mornings.  I participated in the February 11^th walk, which was led by Jeanne Dubi.  I was surprised at the large number of people that showed up, at least 30.  We met at the gazebo and then walked into the fields, usually on a berm surrounding the retention ponds.  More than 40 species of birds were observed.  Some of the more interesting birds seen included a Sora (a first for me), Sandhill Cranes, Northern Harrier, Limpkins, Eastern Meadowlarks White Pelicans, Wilson’s Snipe (several), Savannah and Swamp Sparrows, and several species of ducks including Mottled, Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal, Northern Shovelers, and Hooded Mergansers.

While visiting our daughter in Lakeland, I went over to Lake Parker on Saturday morning.  As usual, one finds a lot of wading birds, such as Egrets, Herons, and Ibises, although I didn’t see any Limpkins this visit.  However, I did see several Purple Gallinules, which are always pleasant to watch.  I also enjoyed watching several Belted Kingfishers doing their daily routine.  I counted at least four Ospreys in the area.  Other birds seen included Coots, Moorhens, Anhingas, Cormorants, Pied-billed Grebes, and Tree Swallows.