Riverbanks Adventure Forum

Honeymoon Island State Park: Osprey caring for thier young!

// February 2nd, 2010 // Adventures, Florida, Great Florida Birding Trail, Hiking, wildlife photography

 

Osprey watching young in nest by Riverbanksoutdoorstore

The mid-winter season is when the Osprey are busy caring for their young. The Osprey hiking trail on Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin, Florida, is a great place for viewing the Osprey in their natural habitat. Watch as Osprey maintain their nests with twigs, bring fish back to feed the young, and switch places with mates as they take turns watching over the young.

Honey Moon Island located just north of Clearwater Beach is well known for its recreational beach area, variety of sea shells, and the Ferry to Caledesi. It is also a protected home for Florida’s endangered Osprey. The 2.5 mile Osprey trail is a loop around the north end of the Honeymoon Island through one of Florida’s few remaining virgin slash pine forests. This area was also an old turpentine camp in the early 1900′s. If you look closely, you can still see cat face scars on some of the old pines.
There is also a picnic area with a playground. A great place to spend an afternoon or for a family outing! Dogs are welcome on the hiking trail with a leash.
For more information:
www.floridastateparks.org/honeymoonisland

See more photos of Honeymoon Island State Park on Flickr