#Apopka news break free

#Apopka news break free

In 2012, Orange Audubon Society helped launch the Lake Apopka Wildlife Festival and Birdapalooza, a free festival introducing the community to the wonders of the Lake Apopka North Shore. As of March 2017, 369 unique species were recorded, more than any other inland site in the U.S. Northern Harriers and other raptors, alligators, otters, and bobcats also call the area home. After Hurricane Matthew, Buff-breasted and Stilt Sandpipers stayed a few days and Pectoral Sandpipers hung around a little longer before flying south. In the fall, high Arctic shorebirds on their way to South America stopover in an area called the sod fields. 2016 Orange Audubon Society Chertok Photo Contest. Immature Little Blue Heron and Tree Frog. A pair of Groove-billed Anis, Southwestern birds, has been seen for three years near the Clay Island overlook. Ponds host thousands of Ring-necked Ducks, other overwintering waterfowl, and year-round Fulvous and Black-bellied Whistling Ducks. The 20,000-acre former agricultural area is now a mecca for birds and, of course, birders.īlack-necked Stilts and many other wetland species breed at Lake Apopka North Shore. Johns River Water Management District bought this land and began a restoration project that would benefit birds and wildlife as well as the local economy. For years around Lake Apopka, farmers and others sent nutrient-rich water into the lake, polluting what was once a world-class bass fishing destination. Sometimes birds just need a lucky break, and Audubon Florida works with local Audubon chapters to save Florida's special places and protect our birds.

By Deborah Green, Past President, Orange Audubon Society