Arthur and I had a blast at the 2012 Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival, our first. I had wanted to attend the festival for years but we only got the chance this year, about 6 months after moving to central Florida. Since we’re semi-local, for the most part we eschewed the field trips aimed at finding Florida specialties. Instead we attended trips to lesser-known spots and classroom presentations focused on local wildlife with which we are still becoming acquainted. We had a great time meeting new friends (although I am disappointed that I managed to miss meeting several online friends who were at the festival) and birding the Space Coast of our new home state. Here are some random photos from the festival.
Eastern Meadowlark @ St Johns NWR, Black Rail trip, January 25
Looking for Black Rails @ St Johns NWR, Black Rail trip, January 25
Birding Hatbill Road, North Brevard Hotspots trip, January 26
Richard Crossley signing his ID Guide, January 27 [photo by Arthur de Wolf]
Female Golden Silk Orb-weaver @ Enchanted Forest Sanctuary, Forest Biodiversity Hike, January 28
Captive Gopher Tortoise @ Enchanted Forest Sanctuary, Forest Biodiversity Hike, January 28
Great Horned Owl sitting on an old Osprey nest @ Merritt Island NWR, January 28
Me with a Corn Snake, Cold-Blooded Critters presentation, January 28
