The PRAS birding adventure site for October will be Prairie Creek Preserve. Go there anytime from the morning of Sunday, October 25 through the evening of Wednesday, October 28. Then, report the listing of birds seen during your visit (or visits) to crob80517@aol.com. At the conclusion, we will compile your lists into a final report to share with all participants. We also welcome photos taken and reports of other natural treasures you may have encountered during your visit. We would love to share them.
Prairie Creek Preserve
With over 1,600 acres, this site is a paradise for naturalists with a wide diversity of habitats from pine flatwoods to scrub and palmetto prairie. The scenic Prairie Creek flows into Shell Creek Reservoir which sources water for Punta Gorda. Being a preserve, it is less developed with no restrooms, picnic shelters or other amenities. But, the quality habitat is a good place to encounter species such as the Florida Scrub-jay, Gopher Tortoise, and Crested Caracara.
Directions
Address: 1900 Duncan Road (St. Rt. 17 north) Take Rt. 17 toward Arcadia. After passing the USA convenience store at the north entry to Washington Loop Road (on your right), start watching for a small brown county sign for the preserve, also on your right. The entry road is unimproved and rather long, but it will take you by pastures and wetland patches where you will want to watch for a number of species (good place for Meadowlarks). Take this road until it ends where you can park and explore. You may want to check out the new county homepage at www.charlottecountyfl.gov. Then go to County Parks for aerial map and more information.