Grassy Pond Military Recreation Park - Lake Park, GA

Friday October 27^th we went to Grassy Pond Military Recreation Park in Lake Park. It was a beautiful area but once again we were told their trails were closed due to Irma. They said part of one trail was cleared and we could walk along there. 

Grassy Pond is now open to the public. This 500 acre recreational area is similar to a state park with cabins, RV sites, tent sites, group shelters, a recreational boat area, nature trails, grills and other amenities. 

 Visitor's Center

3 Mallard Ducks 

So, we ducked under the caution tape and walked as far as we could before the trail was blocked. We heard a few birds. Mostly Cardinals, Titmice, Wrens and several Woodpeckers. (Pileated, Red-bellied and Downy) We also had a deer run across the trail ahead of us.

 the trail

 Great Blue Heron across the pond

 Anhinga

where we had to stop

 Tufted Titmouse

 Golden Silk Spider (aka Banana Spider)

 House Wren

 Palm Warbler

trail

There was another lake just on the other side of the road so we stopped there and walked out on the viewing platform. It seems odd to have such a beautiful spot with no wildlife to be seen in or around it. There was one Great Egret. Usually, we'll see Gallinules or Coots or something. (we call them swamp chickens) 

 Great Egret

It was lunch time so we went in search of food. We debated BBQ or Mexican and since our last stop wasn't great (at least for me) we went for Mexican. When we walked in and saw it packed and many appeared to be Mexican, we figured that was a good sign. It was! Salsa was very good and the Carnitas street tacos were  overfilled with yummy pork. Greg's seafood quesadilla was good as well.

 Rodeo Mexican Restaurant

 Carnitas Street Tacos (each wrapped in foil to keep them warm)

 Carnitas Taco

Seafood Quesadilla

After lunch we looked for our second birding spot in Valdosta. It had been closed and we weren't sure they would be open. It wasn't easy to find, but we finally did and it was open. Langdale Park is mainly for mountain bikes. We stopped at what is probably part of the Withlacoochee River, but it was kind of dry. We finally found a trail and it was blocked before we had gone very far at all. We did find another trail, but the mosquitos were killer so we scrapped it and called it a day.

We seem to be finding that the migrating birds have left the area and it’s too early for the migrating ducks and other water fowl. So, just not a lot of bird variety around. However, just like fishing. The worst day doing either birding or fishing is better than the best day at work. The day warmed up beautifully and the skies were a pretty shade of cloudless blue. After having 2 cold nights, it felt very nice out there. We have one more warm day before the next cold front comes through.

Tomorrow we are off to the Thunderbirds Air Show at Moody Air Force Base.