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On Wednesday, Nov. 20, the birders traveled to Gainesville to visit Sweetwater Wetlands Park. […]<\/p>\n
Author: Linda Monaco<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Wednesday, Nov. 20, the birders will travel to Gainesville to visit Sweetwater Wetlands Park. This city recharge park is a 125-acre habitat of wetlands and ponds, created to improve water quality in the Floridan Aquifer and Paynes Prairie. The park features 3.5 miles of crushed gravel trails, wooden boardwalks, and wildlife viewing platforms. There is limited shade. Located at 325 SW Williston Road, Gainesville, the park is open from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. with a $5 per car self-pay entry fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The park is home to a thriving ecosystem with diverse plants, animals, and insects. It’s a great spot for birdwatching, including sightings of red-winged blackbirds, snail kites, hawks, limpkins, herons, ducks, grackles, coots, and gallinules. On a recent visit, birders were delighted by the sight of bobolinks among the rushes. Visitors often see alligators and sometimes encounter wild Florida cracker horses grazing along the trail. It\u2019s important to maintain a safe distance from these animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To join the trip, meet at the Friendship Center parking lot near Roses at 7:15 a.m. The group will carpool, leaving remaining vehicles in the lot. Lunch will be at the 43rd Street Deli, 3483 SW Williston Road, Gainesville.<\/p>\n\n\n\n