Black-necked Stilt

Got a recent report from Chris Friesen that a Black-necked Stilt was recently seen at Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge. Probably on his way North for the season. Here is a photo of the little critter. Note the reddish legs.

R

Juniper Springs Wildfire

From Susan Young and the Florida Trail Association:
For those of you who might not be aware yet, there's been a BIG fire burning since last Wednesday in the Juniper Prairie Wilderness Area of the Ocala National Forest. There have been periodic closures of SR 19 and SR 40 due to fire supression efforts and heavy smoke.
As of this morning the fire had burned a little over 10,000 acres and was 85% contained.
We've been posting daily updates on the FTA website under Hiking - Trail Conditions. We will continue to post updates until the fire is out and the trail reopens. www.floridatrail.org
The Yearling Trail from our NE Florida Hiking book, and the Pat's Island Trail from our CFL Hiking book are currently closed.
Does anyone have a photo of the fire scene???
R

Clark Bay Conservation Area

Today we hiked a 5 mile trail through this conservation area to check out the newly cleared and remarked trail. We found it to be relatively well-marked and very clear. Takes you through reforested areas and some pine plantations. In the 85 degree heat, it was still a good trail.

It is just outside of Deland, FL on the Old Daytona Road off of Route 92.

This trail is scheduled to be included in a future book, but thought you might enjoy it now.

If you need directions, call or e-mail us.

Oh yea, this Gopher Tortoise will be your host, cracked shell and all. Perhaps you can bring him a little more out of his shell than we could.

Owlets - Lake Ashby Park

We took this picture of owlets today at Lake Ashby Park in Central Florida. You may have to click on the pic to see the four big eyes looking back at you, but it'll be well worth it.

Lake Ashby Park is hike #12 in our book 25 More Short Hikes and Interesting Walks in Central Florida.

So stop by the Lake Helen Book Fair between 10-2 on Saturday the 7th, pick up a copy, and then follow the directions to Lake Ashby to see the owlets. If you buy a book, we might even tell you where those cute critters are hiding.

Ugly Gator

From Arnette Sherman in Deland, FL comes this pic taken from her pontoon boat on her husband Ed's birthday. The photo is NOT of Ed.