Apalachicola National Forest - Wintering Henslow's Sparrow (1 Viewer)

mustap

Well-known member

• Sep 27, 2012

• #1

I would appreciate suggestions on where to look in Apalachicola National Forest for wintering Henslow's sparrows. There is plenty of information online to suggest they are relatively abundant here, start to show up in October with peak arrival typically in November. I can also see that the forest is relatively large at 557,000-acres. However, there is relatively little information on specific locations to look for them, or directions to areas which contain appropriate habitat.

Several sites are highlighted in the great florida birding trail, but only one mentions Henslow's Sparrow: "Tate’s Hell State Forest: Deep Creek Birding Trail".

Even ebird doesn't really seem to suggest one location stands out, with many singular sightings spread widely across the forest (outside of St. Marks). I like to think this means that they are abundant everywhere, but perhaps i am not so lucky.

 

Hamhed

Well-known member

• Sep 27, 2012

• #2

Mustap-
Until we decided to go to eastern North Carolina, we had plans for the same kind of trip in late Ocotober and had inquired about several species. Here's an excerpt from a PM sent by Andy of Tallahassee:

You will get Seaside Sparrows paddling the saltmarsh creeks at St Marks. Henslow's and Le Conte's are arriving. Try the helipad and hiking the dikes between Stoney Bayou 1 and 2. You coulld also find them in Apalachicola National Forest walking off trail through the wiregrass but check hunting dates first! Alternatively you could try the same method at in the pine forest at Bald Point State Park.

Good luck and please let me know if and where you find them -

Steve

 

C

csanchez7

Well-known member

• Sep 28, 2012

• #3

Henslow's Sparrow is easy enough... if you go to the right spot. I do not believe they occur regularly along the regular trails at St. Marks NWR.

They are a bit of a habitat specialist, preferring a marshy, grassy habitat about waist high interspersed with what I believe are pitcher plants. You can find this habitat inside Apalachichola National Forest, as tracts of this marshland can be found within the pineland areas. Get ready to trudge around in boots as the only way to see them well is by flushing and surrounding them. You may also get lucky with Yellow Rail in this same habitat. I did.

Carlos

 

mustap

Well-known member

• Sep 28, 2012

• #4

Thank you Steve and Carlos for your responses. Carlos, is there any specific marsh/pineland areas you might suggest as a starting point?

 

C

csanchez7

Well-known member

• Sep 29, 2012

• #5

I have looked for them before, but I honestly do not remember which field in the forest we stopped at. I believe Andy Wraithmell might have more up to date information on the status of these birds? It might be worth contacting him.

Carlos

 

lewis20126

Well-known member

• Sep 29, 2012

• #6

I saw them in a swampy area in this forest in winter about 5-6 years ago; the only problem is I can't remember exactly where! I had a site (ABA guide?) and it was a very large grassy / swamp clearing within the forest by the road. To find the Henslow's I basically quartered the ground and flushed them up (not easy) - a couple of them perched up in low willows (Salix type) and I got excellent views using this technique. I can't imagine it is possible to see them in winter without this approach.

cheers, alan

 

C

csanchez7

Well-known member

• Sep 29, 2012

• #7

I have gone ahead and emailed Brian Rapoza, as he knows this site better than I. I believe he knows the exact spot with directions.

My experience is identical to Alan's regarding this species and the location...

If you are in the business for skulking winter species, other notable north Florida winter birds include Sprague's Pipit (Apalachicola Municipial Airport, ask for permission) and Le Conte's Sparrow in McIntosh south of Gainesville.

Carlos

 

Last edited: Sep 29, 2012

C

csanchez7

Well-known member

• Sep 30, 2012

• #8

Carlos:

These are the directions from page 209 of Birding Florida (available wherever good books are sold): "Begin your exploration of the western side of the National Forest at the intersection of SR 65 and SR 379 in the tiny town of Sumatra. SR 379, also known as Apalachee Savannah Scenic Byway, passes through longleaf pine flatwoods, pitcher plant savannahs and cypress and titi swamps. Drive north 5.0 miles to a small bridge that marks an area of wet savannah. Sedge Wren and Henslow’s Sparrow winter here and in similar habitat throughout this part of the forest."

Brian

Click to expand...

And here it is.

Carlos

 

Hamhed

Well-known member

• Oct 1, 2012

• #9

This information is good for me also, whenever it is that I can get down there. Thanks for the posts, Carlos and Alan.

Steve

 

mustap

Well-known member

• Oct 1, 2012

• #10

Thank you so very much Carlos and Alan. Much appreciated. I am somewhat familiar with finding skulking sparrows - but can be tough locating Henslow's in Ontario. Hoping for a somewhat easier time in Florida. Appreciate the information about the additional sites of interest as well. Cheers!

 

R

Robert Gundy

Active member

• Oct 24, 2012

• #11

I have never found (or looked for) Henslow's Sparrows in ANF but I have spent a considerable amount of time there. If Henslow's head for the grasslands during the winter, then your best bet is in Liberty County. FR 123 and FR180 have lots of wiregrass savannas. Leon County is mostly sandhills with slash pine, oaks and rather scrubby conditions. In the northern end of Liberty County is the Apalachicola Bluffs & Ravines Preserve owned by The Nature Conservancy. It has some excellent longleaf pine/turkey oak/wiregrass habitat plus a beautiful and challenging hike.

 

snowyowl

Well-known member

• Oct 27, 2012

• #12

I will once again be spending the winter in the Ocala National Forest. A major issue for me until early January is hunting. I'm guessing that it could be a similar issue where you are going. Be careful out there. There are lots of idiots with guns.