Stories

Fall bird migration is here which means it’s time for millions of birds to fly to their winter homes. October is the height of this fall migration in Hernando County and is a wonderful time of year to consider a birding trip to one of our many preserves and parks. This is the time of year that summer resident birds, such as the Summer Tanager, are leaving for their winter home in Central and South America, many song and shorebirds are migrating through the County to stop and gain the necessary energy reserves to continue their journey while at the same time winter residents, such as the American Gold Finch and Palm Warbler are arriving. Fall migration lasts much longer than spring migration as birds travel at a slower pace with frequent refueling stops.

The best time of day to observe our migrating birds is during the early morning hours when birds are actively feeding. Look for days right after overnight rain or for favorable winds that force flying birds to land in local tree canopies.

Bachmans Sparrow (Photo by Bev Hansen)

One of my favorite places to bird in Hernando County is Perry Oldenburg WEA, which is located about 6 miles north of historic downtown Brooksville, off U.S. Hwy 41, down Deer Run Road. Perry Oldenburg contains several habitat types but is best known for its Longleaf Pine Sandhill. The Sandhill habitat is well maintained by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission staff with the use of prescribed fire. Both resident and migrant songbirds can be seen along the 1.5-mile loop trail winding through sandhills and hardwood hammocks. Birds you are likely to see include American Kestrels, Red-headed Woodpeckers, and Bachman’s Sparrow’s. In the field just to the north of the WEA, you might see Eastern Meadowlarks and Loggerhead Shrikes. During fall migration birders have previously observed the illusive Eastern Wood-Pewee and Indigo Buntings. The Eastern Wood-Pewee is one of those birds that actually sings their own name, which in this case happens to be “Pe-Wee!”

The Illusive Eastern Wood-Pewee (Photo by Siah St Clair)

Perry Oldenburg is a beautiful example of some of Hernando County’s finest public lands. I seldom see other nature enthusiasts there and that is one of the attractions of this site, very few visitors. Birders love Perry Oldenburg and Hernando Audubon regularly host trips there. Some outings are coordinated with the Hernando Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society. Wildflowers are a highlight in Fall and worth the trip.

A resource mentioned in our previous article designed to assist anyone interested in birding during the fall migration is a 28-page pamphlet entitled Hernando County Birding authored by Hernando Audubon and published by the Florida’s Adventure Coast Visitor’s Bureau.  This pamphlet is designed to indicate the location and times of year when birds are most likely to be found in Hernando County. This is especially helpful during the fall migration season. A copy of the pamphlet can be downloaded here.

Let’s go birding – hope to see you at one at one of Hernando County’s many birding sites, perhaps Perry Oldenburg WEA.

Longleaf Pine Sandhill Habitat at Perry Oldenburg (Photo by FWC Staff)

Guest authored by Tom St Clair, President Hernando Audubon

Tom St Clair is currently serving as President of Hernando Audubon and is also a member of the Hernando Tourist Development Council. Tom has been retired for seven years and enjoys bird watching and building nest boxes for a variety of birds. Tom has been a resident of Hernando County for nine years and advocates for the protection and preservation of natural habitats within the County. He has two daughters and three grandsons who live in the Tampa Bay area.