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Posted by Paul-the-other on 03:27:53 07/23/10
Thursday trip to DIWMA was moderately productive. On the drive along Snake road on the Seminole reservation we encountered numerous caracara as well as a large flock of turkey by the roadside. Swallow-tailed kite were very common. Altogether we saw about 25. Red-shouldered hawk were also very common.
The drive through DIWMA was hot, dusty, and very windy. Tropical what-ever Bonnie is approaching and the winds were beginning to kick up. The area has had substantial rain. Culverts and ditches are filled with water. The area is still under lease as agriculture so horses and cattle arein good numbers. We also saw wild pigs and deer. Since this is a working ranch there were many picturesque "props" in the way of fence lines, corrals, barns, sheds. Spanish moss decorates the many oak trees and the cypress heads. The place has great potential for photographers of wildlife and "old Florida." I can only imagine that at dusk or dawn the owls would be visible. The caution sign at the entrance warns of panthers. We liked the part about "...if attacked fight back.." Right! My money is on the cat.
As we left the management area we saw a 4 point buck deer dead by the side of the road. It was struck by a vehicle just before we came upon it. A beautiful creature that even in death had grace. The gathering cluster of vultures foretold the eventual closing of this circle of life.
Although mid-July is hardly prime time for DIWMA it is easy to see that in full migration time and cooler weather this site has great potential for art, meditation, and wildlife viewing. We'll be back come fall. Driving time from Coral Springs was 1 hour 20 minutes the mileage 88. And for added benefit you can stop at the Seminole Indian museum.
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