Lettuce Lake Conservation Park - Birthday Weekend Birdwatching - January 2, 2026

I was up early again to get an early start and was down to eat around 6:30 a.m.  Unfortunately, the information I was given about the restaurant hours was wrong again and it didn't open until 7:00 a.m.  So I took that time to pack up all my stuff and load my car before eating.

Then I headed to Lettuce Lake Conversation Park which has an amazing boardwalk which they are in the process of renovating.  When I was here in late 2024 the east half of the boardwalk was closed.  This time it was the west half but that still left lots of boardwalk to explore.

The Carolina Wrens were vocal and plentiful.  These are a special bird to me.

White Ibis which often seemed to be accompanied by a Great Egret (the second photo)

Great Egret

Great Blue Heron

At the end of the boardwalk, where it dead ends overlooking a finger of the lake, two white tailed deer fawns stepped out from the trees.  It was so unexpected and amazing to watch.

More Great Egrets

Palm Warbler

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Downy Woodpecker

Northern Cardinals

Female Red-wing Blackbird

The Anhingas were noisy as they flew from tree to tree.

Common Yellowthroat

Black and White Warbler

Muscovy Duck with a baby!  I didn't even see the baby when I took this first photo and then I walked past the duck again and saw the baby exploring on her own.

Tufted Titmouse

Carolina Chickadee

More Anhingas

Roseate Spoonbill!

Tricolored Heron

Roseate Spoonbill with a White Ibis and a Tricolored Heron

After about 3 hours (although less than half the steps for the same time frame yesterday), I headed towards my next hotel stopping at a Jersey Mike's Subs for lunch while I topped off my car.  While on my way, I got notification that my room was already ready so I was able to head straight to my room when I arrived a little after 2:00 p.m.  I stayed at the Hampton Inn in Titusville.  I spent the afternoon editing photos and blogging and lost all motivation to go out and find dinner so dinner was a microwave pad Thai meal, Sangria, and cookies from Jersey Mike's.