Sebastian Inlet Field Trip

Written by Phyllis Mansfield, Photos by Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Woodstorks at Dawn (photo © Dee Fairbanks Simpson)

Cold strong NW winds this morning didn’t stop 12 people who birding with Dee and David Simpson at Sebastian Inlet St. Park.  Thanks to Dee and David for a combined field trip with Pelican and Space Coast Audubon.  Around 50 species of birds were seen, some of which were lifers.  My “bird of the day” was the Broad-winged Hawk that flew over and quickly ID by David. Strong west winds don’t usually bring  in seabirds, but there was a Northern Gannet at the end of the pier!   At 7:30 am, the cove area had a great number of Wood Storks, Laughing Gulls, Ruddy Turnstones, Reddish Egret and a few terns.  Flying Roseate
Spoonbills were highlighted in the morning sun. Good comparison was observed between Willet and

The egg we found
(photo © Dee Fairbanks Simpson)

Short-billed Dowitcher. Later-in the cove- a Manatee was spotted.

We were all captivated when Dee spotted an egg on the ground;  I’m still checking but it did not fit
for either Mocking bird or Carolina Wren.  A lovely red Rat Snake was seen by all.  Great to be out-of-doors, seeing and moving with friends.

Mourning Dove (photo © Dee Fairbanks Simpson)

Gulf Fritillary (photo © Dee Fairbanks Simpson)