16 members and friends of Space Coast Audubon enjoyed a late-afternoon / sunset hike at the Helen & Allan Cruickshank Sanctuary in Rockledge, Florida. Our time started out with a short talk by Charlie Venuto about the Cruickshanks and their contributions to birding within Brevard County and beyond. Then we hiked into the preserve, where we encountered some of the resident Florida Scrub-Jay population, 12 other species, and a number of eastern cottontail rabbits. Our hike ended with a beautiful sunset, two Great Horned Owls (one being harassed by a Northern Mockingbird), and a Bald Eagle.
Afterwards, those who were able travelled a short distance to Long Doggers restaurant in Viera for additional social time.
eBird Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S123564769
13 Species Seen
- Mourning Dove
- Double-crested Cormorant
- Northern Harrier
- Cooper’s Hawk
- Bald Eagle
- Great Horned Owl
- Red-bellied Woodpecker
- Blue Jay
- Florida Scrub-Jay
- Gray Catbird
- Northern Mockingbird
- Common Grackle
- Yellow-rumped Warbler
Video of Charlie’s Talk
Photos
