Bahia Hondo State Park

 Sunday November 22nd

After moving on from Big Pine Key, made a stop at Bahia Hondo State Park. The state park

encompasses almost all of this small key. I hadn't stopped here before, but could not miss the iconic abandoned railroad trestle projecting out from the key.

The nature trail is now off limits due to the hurricane damage, because three years ago Hurricane Irma devastated the the Florida Keys including Bahia Hondo. 

American Kestrel

Still was able to locate Florida Silver Palm, Florida Thatch Palm, Seven-Year Apple, Gumbo Limbo and Sea Lavender

Sea Lavender

Florida Silver Palms are primarily a Florida Keys species

Florida Silver Palm

Seven-Year Apple

Bahama Nightshade

Cassius Blue

The Key is also a location for the extremely rare Miami Blue Butterfly, were the University of Florida is active in rejuvenation the population. I didn't observe any, but Cassius Blue Butterflies were easily found.

Not a large variety of birds today at Bahia Honda. Palm Warblers, Prairie Warbler, Kestrels, Laughing Gulls, Brown Pelicans and a Yellow-crowned Nigh-heron. 

The waters at the marina were very clear. Was able to observe mullet, a parrotfish and lots of Atlantic Needlefish just at the surface.

Atlantic Needlefish

A Juvenile Yellow-crowned Night-heron