Pictured: The Florida Scrub Jay. Courtesy of Oscar Scherer State Park.

Every area of the country has its hidden gems, its secret treasures only accessible to those who live there. In Sarasota, the treasures are many but perhaps none as secretive as the different species of birds that populate the area. Specifically, the diverse array of native and migratory birds that can be found in Oscar Scherer State Park and the Celery Fields.

Peter Brown, a volunteer with the Sarasota Audubon Society leads guided walks of the Celery Fields and Oscar Scherer State park on a weekly basis. According to Brown, "Many folks that go on these walks know they can go to the beach and eat outside at nice restaurants, but the idea of seeing and connecting to nature is brand new for them.” 

The Celery Fields, which serve as the stormwater retention area for the Phillippi Creek Drainage Basin, are home to over ten miles of walking trails across the site’s ponds and wetlands. ‘Mount Celery’, the 55-foot high observation mound is one of the highest points of elevation in the county and the park contains boardwalks that jut into the marsh - a natural site for birds to nest, feed and roost. Exotic looking species such as the Roseate Spoonbills, cormorants, and herons often reside near the boardwalks.

“It’s a special characteristic of Florida to have such colorful and interesting birds all year long,” says Brown. In the winter, the Celery Fields are home to migratory species such as Ring-Necked Ducks, Northern Shoveler, Blue-Winged Teal, and many more.

Oscar Scherer State Park, which offers 15 miles of hiking trails, also hosts a multitude of migratory bird species including Great Horned Owls and Bald Eagles of which Brown recently found, a nest with two eaglets. The Florida Scrub Jay, an at-risk species native to the area, also populates the park.

“My favorite thing is not birding alone, but rather birding with a group,” says Brown. By leading the guided walks, Brown can not only spend time outside, but share with others what is often a new and interesting way to connect with the wildlife around them.

February Event Calendar:
https://www.sarasotaaudubon.org/events/category/guided-walks/

Sarasota Audubon Society, 941-312-6533.

Pictured: The Florida Scrub Jay. Courtesy of Oscar Scherer State Park.

To learn more, visit