FLORIDA – SARASOTA COUNTY – The Celery Fields

Photo Experience:  After several visits to The Celery Fields, I continue to think it is a very special spot and one I would like to return to in future visits. I’ve been astounded at the number of bird species I’ve seen. A telephoto lens is a must here. Different kinds of ibises, egrets, and herons were there in addition to roseate spoonbills, white pelicans, limpkins, purple gallinules, ospreys, bald eagles, red-shouldered hawks, and northern harriers. I also observed American bitterns. On the Palmer Boardwalk, I’ve had more sightings of the secretive American Bittern than at any other location. Other wildlife include alligators, turtles, marsh rabbits, and snakes. Generally, I found the best opportunities along the two boardwalks here. One is across Palmer Blvd from the parking lot. The other boardwalk, Raymond Boardwalk, is a short distance east on Palmer Blvd. and then right on Raymond Rd for less than a mile.

Other Info:   The Celery Fields, administered by Sarasota Audubon folks, is located on Palmer Blvd, east of I-75 and south of Fruitville Rd (Exit 210). The people at the Audubon Nature Center (on the east side of the parking lot) are quite knowledgeable and helpful, as are the volunteer naturalists who staff the boardwalks many mornings. There are restrooms on the west side of the parking lot.

&spsp.;&spspspsp;

&spspspspsps; &spspspspspspspsp;