Saturday, February 20th.
7:00 am – 1:00 pm
Our field trip destination for February is the Celery Fields, a Sarasota County park. We will also stop at nearby Ackerman Lake. Once an actual celery farm, Celery Fields contains 360 acres of land that have been restored as a wetland. To facilitate wildlife viewing, there are extensive trails and two boardwalks each leading to a gazebo. Not only does the park serve a variety of passive recreational activities, it is the county’s prime stormwater collection zone. The new Nature Center, built and operated by Sarasota Audubon, is now open.
The site attracts an extensive variety of birds, especially waders and waterfowl. Almost every year a rarity shows up. Birding is especially productive early in the morning and late in the afternoon when birds are moving to and from their night roosts.
If you come, besides your binoculars, bring a sunhat and sunscreen as the area is quite open. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. We may walk on grass paths that might be a bit soggy. Bring water and a snack, and lunch if you want to join us. The birding will end in the late morning, and we will picnic at the visitor center area.
If you would like to carpool, meet at 7 AM at our “north” meeting place, the parking lot behind McDonalds on Peachland Blvd. near Veterans and Kings Highway, and close to exit 170 of I-75.. We should arrive at the park by 8 AM. For further information, contact Eleanor Marr, 941-624-4182.
Photo of gazebo at Celery Fields taken by Bill Marr.
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