Day 70: March 10th – El Dora

Cloudy, periods of showers, low 70s

Heading into El Dora

       It’s a dark and dreary day with periods of sunshine that give us some false sense of hope, but when push comes to shove, it’s not going to be a great day for birding.  We have guests visiting from the west coast, and we decide to introduce them to one of the historical landmarks of our region, the El Dora Statehouse.  Located on the grounds of Canaveral National Seashore, the restored home now serves as a museum relating the history of this former hub of produce shipping.  New, a hardwood hammock covers the area and serves as fine habitat for butterflies and migrating songbirds.

       After a quick look at the Atlantic and the ominous skies above, we make an effort to tour the El Dora area.  There are several butterflies which are typical of the hardwood forests of Florida….the Cloudless sulphur and the Great Southern White.  Both can be found throughout the state of Florida.

    

Cloudless sulphur

Great Southern White

   Birdwise, there is the usual assemblage of shorebirds on the ocean side, but only a few Brown pelicans, a lone Mourning dove, and a Ring-billed gull to add to a scant trip-list.  As the rains begin to fall in earnest, we decide that it is time to beat a hasty retreat and head for the high ground of our living quarters.