Highlands Hammock State Park
Sebring, Florida
February 20, 2024
Christmas berries.
Marc- We started the day off with a hike on a Park bike trail. I asked a Park employee if this was allowed and he said yes but that we would need to watch out for bears. Sue and I felt we could handle this with our nordic walking sticks (similar to cross country ski poles but geared for dirt). The only animal we saw on this trail was a Great Egret that flew off as we approached. We proceeded to crisscross the Park on various trails with such names as Sweetgum trail, Cypress Swamp Trail and Ancient Hammock Trail. The vegetation here is awesome.
Great Egret
Barred Owl
We have yet to be able to photograph an owl although there is is an Owl family in the campground. The above is a mural in nearby Lake Placid, aka "City of Murals." I spoke to a Park Ranger about these owls. He indicated that they prefer oak forests, cypress forests, hardwood hammocks and swamps. Their nest dream home is in cavities (holes) in trees. The Ranger explained that he was building an Owl nest from an oak log. The log is hollowed out at one area near what will be the top. The hole must be well drained and mesh set at its bottom. Twigs and straw are then placed on top of the mesh. He added that the nest must look natural.
Sue and I found found this tree that might work well as an owl nest.
The forests here has not changed much since the days of the Mastadon. The Egrets are still here.
(Another mural from Lake Placid)
Not all murals are historically accurate. This mural shows a studious dragon and an inquisitive butterfly near the public library.
Mural near the city park.
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