BIRDING IN CEDAR KEY
by Tom White, Cedar Keys Audubon
January 14, 2021
There are many excellent opportunities to observe and count birds on Cedar Key. While many have favorite spots to visit, the following might be of interest to birders new to the island.
FOUR BIRD FEEDERS
The Cedar Keys Chapter of the Audubon Society maintains four bird feeders. All are highly visible and can be observed from cars or golf carts. The feeders might be of more interest to those that are limited in their mobility. The locations of these bird feeders are:
1. the entrance to the Cemetery on Gulf Boulevard,
2. the CK Museum State Park at the north end of Museum Drive,
3. a nearby feeder at 16660 Hodges Avenue but visible from Museum Drive,
4. and above the sidewalk at the Community Garden on Second Street.
1. the entrance to the Cemetery on Gulf Boulevard,
2. the CK Museum State Park at the north end of Museum Drive,
3. a nearby feeder at 16660 Hodges Avenue but visible from Museum Drive,
4. and above the sidewalk at the Community Garden on Second Street.
DRIVING?
Also for those who drive and wish to watch birds from the comfort of their vehicle:
1. the #4 bridge connecting CK to the mainland (excellent views and many estuarine waterfowl),
2. the Airport Road from the bridge (Airport Beach) to the airport (good views of some outer islands and many shorebirds),
3. and the far end of Dock Street near the boat ramp (good view of Atsena Otie and open ocean birds).
1. the #4 bridge connecting CK to the mainland (excellent views and many estuarine waterfowl),
2. the Airport Road from the bridge (Airport Beach) to the airport (good views of some outer islands and many shorebirds),
3. and the far end of Dock Street near the boat ramp (good view of Atsena Otie and open ocean birds).
WALKING?
For those that like to walk, try:
1. the Cemetery Point Boardwalk and proceed to the end of the city park, one will find a bird viewing platform with a free spotting scope (many estuarine birds, especially ducks during the winter months,
2. the trail at the CK Museum State Park (both woodland and estuarine birds ),
3. or the CK Railroad Trestle Nature Trail (woodland birds, especially warblers).
BOATING?
For those that like boats, many of the outer islands, especially Seahorse Key, host large breeding colonies of marine and estuarine birds, but please careful not disturb the birds on these islands. Every time they are forced to fly they consume energy.
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