"Beyond Disney World”: A Central Florida Virtual Birding Vacation
by Stan Lavender
Central Florida is a long way from Spokane but certainly worth a trip. A world class destination for theme parks, Central FL is so much more than Disney World. With a complex ecosystem, Florida offers a huge diversity of avian wildlife. I will take you along on a "virtual vacation" of my favorite spots. During this grand adventure, I'll share 100’s of photos of many species and some memorable encounters I have had along the trail. We will explore preserves, refuges, and other hotspots from the Atlantic Ocean, over the Lake Wales ridge, the North/South spine of peninsular Florida, to the gentle Gulf of Mexico's waters. All of this within a short drive of "the Mouse's House." Remember, Central FL is so much more than just Disney World.
Most of my life, I have been a casual birder and photographer. Since retiring, my interest in both have ignited. Wanting to know more about Florida’s ecosystems, I have been participating in the University of FL’s Master Naturalist Program. Also helpful, I have completed several of NatGeo’s birding and photography courses. Encouraged by several birding and photography groups, I have been able to advance my skills in both areas. I lead one of the large birding groups in my hometown of The Villages, FL. Currently, the group has over 500 online members across the U.S. Weekly, about 30 members explore our surroundings and enjoy the special comradery that birders share.
Frequently, I participate in the Florida Camera Council’s statewide photography competitions. I have been fortunate enough to win multiple Blue Ribbons for a variety of wildlife photos. I hope to show you a few. Several of my wildlife photos have appeared on the covers for the educational journal of the Dragonfly Society of the Americas and a digital magazine by Rails to Trails.
My background spanned over 35 years in aviation, as a U.S. Navy and commercial pilot. Formally trained as an educator, I earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in education and a second Master’s degree in National and International Security. Born in Pennsylvania, I lived my first 21 years there. Compliments of the U.S. Navy and a little wanderlust, I have since lived in 10 states. I was lucky enough to enjoy a childhood home that literally was attached to an arboretum. I spent nearly every day in the "woods" climbing, wading in streams, and observing birds. Encouraged by my parents, I had bird feeders and reference books at an early age, even earning a Boy Scout Bird Study merit badge.
I hope you will join my virtual birding tour of Central Florida in September. It is so much more than just Disney World.
