The Wandering Disciple

People come from far away to eastern Sarasota County to birdwatch at the Celery Fields. The birding hotspot is a testament to the power of restoration and is now home to a diverse collection of native and migrating species that attract visitors from around the globe.  The land was once farmland and used to grow celery, hence the name. It remained an active farm until the 90's when it was purchased by the county. It has been converted to serve as a storm water collection site and as part of this process, the land was restored and trails were added to invite the public to visit and enjoy the diverse wildlife attracted to the wetlands. Over 240 species of birds have been observed here and the site is listed as a hotspot on the Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.  Taken: November 24, 2014 at Celery Fields (Sarasota, FL)

The colorful seeds of the Cardboard Cycad provide a splash of color on the forest floor. The seeds are buried deep in the heart of the plant and are rather difficult to germinate. As a result, the plants are illegally harvested causing the plant to become endangered. While the seeds may look inviting to eat, the plant is highly poisonous to animals and humans. (Photo: December 25, 2020)

A colorful parrot hangs out by a feeder at the Celery Fields in eastern Sarasota. The Nanday Parakeet also known as the Black-hooded Parrot is one of the two parrot species found in colonies throughout Florida. These birds are not native to Florida but are able to sustain here in the sunshine state due to the warm tropical climates. Native to South America, the parrots have began self-sustaining colonies in Florida, Texas and southern California as a result of pet birds being released into the wild. (Photo: February 15, 2019)

A grackle stares back at the camera along the boardwalk at the Celery Fields.  At first glance, the grackle appears black however it has an iridescent coloring that can appear blue or purple in certain lights.  (Photo: March 28, 2015)

A great egret crouches down in the reeds along a pond at the Celery Fields as it tries to be stealthy while hunting. The Celery Fields in eastern Sarasota area a birding hotspot with birds migrating from across the country to this wetland oasis. That in turn brings travelers from around the world as they try and cross species off their life list. (Photo: December 4, 2014)

A colorful purple gallinule plays along the reeds at the Celery Field. The Celery Fields in eastern Sarasota County are a world renown birding hotspot with thousands of people flocking to its trails to see rare birds of both resident and migrant species. All year round there is something to see here at the Celery Fields. (Photo: November 24, 2014)

Sarasota, Florida: Just east of I-75 there is a little gem known as the Celery Fields. Back in the 1920’s An experimental farm was developed to grow celery. These farm produces celery until 1995 when the property was sold to Sarasota County to create a storm water collection point for flood mitigation. But in addition, the county also restored the wetlands which in turn created a great park to watch wildlife. In conjunction with the Sarasota Audubon Society, the Celery Fields has become on the of the state’s more popular birding locations, featuring over 300 acres to view wildlife up close. On a recent visit to the Celery Fields, I managed to observe the following: Blue-winged Teal  Boat-tailed Grackle  Brown-headed Cow Bird  Cattle Egret  Common Gallinule  Glossy Ibis  Limpkin  Marsh Rabbit  Nanday Parakeet  Northern Mockingbird Palm Warbler  Purple Martin  Red-winged Blackbird  White Ibis  Yello...

Beware of venomous snakes is a warning that is on signs at many of parks and waterways throughout the sunshine state.  Just because you don't see them, doesn't mean they aren't there.  During a walk on the boardwalk of the Celery Fields in Eastern Sarasota County, a Cottonmouth slithered across the top of the water.  Also known as a water moccasin, the cottonmouth is the only poisonous water snake in  North America and are capable of a lethal bite.  (Photo: March 28, 2015)

A pair of Sandhill Cranes walk along the water searching for food at the Celery Fields in eastern Sarasota.  These giant birds can be found in mating pairs or family groups throughout Florida and much of North America.  (Photo: October 22, 2010)

Sarasota, Florida:   We decided to hit the Celery Fields for a little bit of wildlife spotting on a sunny Saturday afternoon.  We didn't have much time before our appointment so we only stopped at the Raymond Road boardwalk. The quick stop awarded us with a lot of activity.  There were many Red-winged Blackbirds, Limpkins with babies and even a King Rail.  One of the coolest things we saw, or scariest depending on your fears, was a Cottonmouth Snake.  It swam across the top of the water under the boardwalk.  It was good piece of mind knowing we were safe on the boardwalk.  I have always heard stories about them but had never seen one in the wild. Here is a list of what we saw on our trip. Boat-tailed Grackle Common Gallinule Cottonmouth Snake Great Blue Heron King Rail Limpkim Red-winged Blackbird Roseate Spoonbill Tri-colored Heron Click on the photo above to view my Celery Fields photo gallery include photos from today and past v...

A pair of sandhill cranes look for food in the Celery Fields in eastern Sarasota County. Sandhill cranes can be found throughout Florida and can be identified by their bright red heads. (Photo: September 22, 2010)