You can learn a bit of history and see a wide variety of birds in several different habitats at our choice for February, the Celery Fields in Sarasota. As January comes to an end, 141 bird species have been seen at the Celery Fields, according to E-bird. In addition to a number of walk ways and paths, there are elevated boardwalks to two mid-marsh viewing areas. A volunteer naturalist with scope is usually there on weekends. There are restrooms and a small covered picnic area.
Our dates for this month’s self-birding at the Celery Fields are Monday, February 15 to Monday, February 22. Please submit a list of birds you’ve seen to Ron and Char at crob80517@aol.com by Thursday, February 25.
In the late 1800’s, the land was drained and used for agriculture. In the 1920’s, the property was purchased by the Palmer family and used to grow celery commercially. They were one of the largest celery producers in the state in the 1920’s. When the county purchased the property in the 1990’s, they renovated it back to its natural state to help flood and storm water abatement. There are placards with pictures around the park to tell you more about this interesting area.
If you need directions, please advise and we will email them to you. For a map of the site indicating where you might see the birds, please let us know your mailing address, and we’ll send one along. Although it is a bit of a drive, it is well worth your time. We have been there may times and have never been disappointed.
Stay well and hope you can join in this month.
Ron & Char crob80517@aol.com
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