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While I was able to travel through two new regions (the East and Panhandle) along the Great Florida Birding Trail, I was only able to add a handful of new species of bird to my wildlife lexicon that I had not seen before.
My 1700 mile journey without doubt went by much too quickly.
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I managed to travel through 12 clusters of the trail and visit 31 new venues within them.
Some were more rewarding than others for the wildlife seen.
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Without question, the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge offered the most exciting viewing along Black Point Wildlife Drive.
I spent half a day there while attempting to photograph a greater plethora of the larger wading birds than I have seen anywhere else.
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I had hoped for the best weather and light conditions at this time, but was dealing with overcast conditions all morning. I was also shooting into the brightest light for the most part.
It was an opportunity to photograph under conditions I would normally avoid.
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The greatest diversity of wildlife was seen at this venue, including an alligator seen that appeared no less than 12 feet.
In its vicinity, I spent a lot of time observing moorhens including what appeared a solitary juvenile which seem accustomed to living within the close proximity of such a predator as I've also observed in the Everglades area.
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In my opinion, the best wildlife observations can unquestionably be had at virtually any of the venues closer to home within the Southwest portion of Florida.
I can say for sure, based on my experience, that wildlife is prolific within the South Florida Birding Trail virtually at any time of the year to a greater degree than the observations I've made outside of it.
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Certain venues seem to accommodate specific species of concern or interest. These creatures will be found around areas of water that provide them sustenance.
The drive home along I-10 was extraordinary in the view I had of the area of Torreya State Park. The light was perfect with the vista of the trees along the Apalachicola River.
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It was on my third trip through the area along I-10 that I had the opportunity to appreciate the magic this Florida state park has to offer.
I was very tempted to make an immediate u-turn, but decided to make a return trip there in the future.
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