The First Walkabout of the 2016-2017 PRAS Season

IMPORTANT ALERT!  We’ve had a report that there are lots of chiggers at Prairie Shell Creek now. This should NOT be a problem if you wear long pants and high socks with lots of insect repellent.

IMPORTANT UPDATE!  Several PRAS members, including our trip leader, pre-hiked Prairie Shell Creek and saw 17 species of birds and a bobcat crossing the trail. The most beautiful sight was a flyover of four Roseate Spoonbills at the pond. There were several White-eyed Vireos, a shrike, and a Downy Woodpecker, but no warblers were seen. They watched a Scrub Jay hoarding acorns, flying into a scrub oak to get an acorn and then going to hide it in an open area several times until it became suspicious of the company. The hikers did not get any of the chiggers they were warned about, but they had long pants tucked into socks which were thoroughly sprayed with insect repellent. Sand spurs were plentiful since many trail areas have tall unmowed grass. The good news was the trails are dry and sandy, not muddy though the dew on the grass did mean wet shoes. It sounds like there was plenty of activity. We hope you will join us on this hike. Also, please note that the hike will end around 11:00 am.

On Tuesday, October 4, 2016 there will be a walkabout at Prairie/Shell Creek, a SWFWMD Property containing some scrub habitat.  Prairie/Shell Creek is located at 3081 Duncan Road, which is Highway 17.  Taking Hwy 17, from Punta Gorda, the property will be on the left after crossing the bridges over Shell Creek.  Several Florida Scrub-Jay families live on the property.  Hawks and Owls are also frequently observed there as well as Towhees.  Wading and other water birds are seen at the pond.

Bring binoculars, insect repellent, closed toed walking shoes that could get wet, sun protection, and water.  For more information contact Shannon McGinnis, 941-629-9116.