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Winter Wonderland
For all its sun, sand and surf, Tampa Bay becomes a winter wonderland when thousands of migratory birds come calling.
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Look up this time of year, particularly after a cold snap, and you’re likely to witness a winter spectacle as thousands of “snow birds” descend on Tampa Bay, winging in on the latest thermal cline. Overnight, a barren backyard might be transformed into a no-vacancy avian hostel as weary migratory birds scout out a quick meal or beckoning branch.
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Photos courtesy of Lorraine Margeson |
The intrepid travelers include palm warblers from Canada, white pelicans from North Dakota, and robins from Maine. Some migrants make long, non-stop journeys over inhospitable habitats such as oceans, deserts and mountains on their way to central and south America.
Others make short “hops” stopping to refuel every hundred miles or so. Residents eager to roll out the welcome mat might start by providing water.
A simple birdbath will do, says Ann Paul of Audubon of Florida; bird seed, or a pine cone slathered in peanut butter then rolled in seed, also are appreciated.
Top spots for snow-birding?
While nature preserves and greenways — such as Ft. DeSoto Park, John Chestnut Park and Brooker Creek Preserve in Pinellas County, and Tampa’s Hillsborough River State Park – may offer optimum wildlife viewing, don’t overlook your own backyard, especially if you have water and berry-yielding bushes and trees.