Black Vultures at Sunset

Trout Lake in Eustis is owned by Audubon and is a great place to see Black Vultures.  There are a number of trails including a boardwalk out to a small lake with a covered dock.  More often than not, the roof of the dock is covered in vultures as are a number of trees such as the one pictured above.  I took this photo at sunset when the weather was rather unstable.  I've yet to take any of the other trails at this facility because I'm always so drawn to water.  Some years ago there was a barred owl nesting in a tree above the dumpsters located close to the entrance.  You can check out their web site and get more info on the programs and activities they offer.

Black Vultures

I went on a great 7.5 mile hike along the Ocklawaha River this morning with my son.  We started at Moss Bluff Dam and walked the dike to the trails end at the county road 42 bridge.  We saw hundreds of black vultures, a number of hawks of different varieties, a lone gator trying to get warm, a bald eagle and a variety of smaller birds.  I took this photo of a group of vultures sunning themselves as the fog lifted.  I highly recommend this trail as we were the only two humans except for a few fishermen in their boats.  I love Florida winters - this photo shows some fall foliage, some bare winter trees, and new leaf buds all in the same tight shot.