Red-cockaded Woodpeckers near Orlando (1 Viewer)

mcali

Well-known member

• Mar 23, 2017

• #1

Hi
I'm going to Orlando (Disney of course) in April with the family, but will have a morning to go birding. I've been looking at sites within a reasonable distance for Red-cockaded Woodpeckers and it seems there are 3 main options:
- Hal Scott Regional Preserve
- Disney Wilderness Preserve
- Withlacoochee State Forest
I'm biased toward Hal Scott. The Disney Preserve does not open until 9am and Withlacoochee is further away (and larger so may be harder to find the woodpecker).
Any advise gratefully received.

 

J

John-W

Well-known member

• Mar 24, 2017

• #2

Hal Scott is a good choice, I didn't know they were at Disney Wilderness Preserve.
Another option, is 3 Lakes WMA, less than an hour from Disney and quite reliable.
http://myfwc.com/viewing/recreation/wmas/lead/three-lakes/

Generally early morning gives you the best chance...good luck!

 

mcali

Well-known member

• Mar 24, 2017

• #3

Thanks John
Yes apparently they have been introducing them to the Disney preserve and the program has been quite successful.

 

Peter C.

...just zis guy, you know?

• Mar 24, 2017

• #4

I saw them in Three Lakes a few years ago, it's a good place, very quiet. Also saw Bachmann's Sparrow and Brown-headed Nuthatch there.

Peter C.

 

Captain_of_Crunch

YVdpep_re64

• Mar 24, 2017

• #5

A bit further away, but I saw three quite well at St. Sebastien Preserve in Feb 2014:

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/2...a71e391fd01cf1a0!2m2!1d-81.563874!2d28.385233

Also Florida Scrub Jay and Brown-headed Nuthatch, and WI Manatee in the river.

 

cassowary

Well-known member

• Mar 26, 2017

• #6

you might find thislink useful

http://ebird.org/ebird/map/recwoo?n...=1-12&bmo=1&emo=12&yr=range&byr=2016&eyr=2017