FERNDALE — Lake County park rangers will lead a migratory bird hike on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Ferndale Preserve, located on County Road 455 about 5 miles south of the intersection with County Road 561.
“We will hike about 2 miles around the scenic preserve looking for fall migrants, including Swainson’s Thrush, Blackpoll Warbler, Scarlet Tanager and many other migrating species, as well as our year-round and winter residents,” said Park Ranger Gallus Quigley.
The 192-acre preserve is located on the western shore of Lake Apopka. Its high elevation and diverse ecosystem provide habitat for numerous birds, butterflies, reptiles, mammals and amphibians. The Lake County Parks & Trails Division is working to restore the preserve to a more natural state.
“As we work on improvements at Ferndale Preserve it remains closed to the public access, but this hike is an opportunity to see the preserve,” Quigley said.
Reservations are required and are limited to the first 25 individuals. For more information or to make reservations for the migratory bird hike, call Park Ranger Gallus Quigley at (352) 742-0992 or e-mail parksandtrails@lakecountyfl.gov.