Blue Jay in tree at Hampton Pines

Reminiscing can be fun. We went to Miami this week to visit our friend after his surgery, but also took time to visit our old stomping grounds in the Fort Lauderdale area. We lived in Tamarac for 18 years, so had things to see and do.

We always enjoyed going to the beach to feed the Sea Gulls. Well, when we got to Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, there was not one gull in sight. We only saw Pigeons, a Boat-tailed Grackle and 2 Eurasian Collarded Doves. While driving, a 4 bird squadron of Brown Pelicans flew over. So much for the beach this time of the year.

Hampton Pines Pk Sign

We then drove to the Hampton Pines Park in North Lauderdale. “It is a 32 acre natural woodland park containing native bald cypress and slash pines.” (It took a beating from Hurricane Wilma and many trees were blown down. This was according to a very nice grounds keeper we were talking with.) That is where I first became a real birdwatcher. There was a lady naturalist there who taught about the birds. We became friends (can’t remember her name now and the office was closed) and she sort of took me “under her wing.” I learned to have “soft eyes” (not stare at a certain spot, but softly watching the trees to catch movement), to listen for the birds (birding by ear), watch for evidences that a bird has been there (like droppings of fish bones and other things), and many other tips. Like many of our readers, I saw birds, but never really became aware of them until she revealed those and many other tips. I am sure she was the beginning of great hobby for me. I am thankful for the Lord bringing her into my life, for her and to Hampton Pines Park for having hired her.

Hampton Pines

While we were there we recorded only these birds: 7 Blue Jays carrying on with their alarm calls, Mourning Doves, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Great Egret, Mockingbird, and 2 male Cardinals. We were only there about 20 minutes. Also saw 2 squirrels, which we fed before we saw the sign not to feed them. We also saw 2 lizards (I guess), one was about 18 inches and the other darker one was about 12 inches.

Since our house we lived in was only about a mile or so away, we went by it and took a few pictures of it and the pond across the street. There was a female Boat-tailed Grackle sitting at the top a bush (much taller than when we sold in 1995) in the yard. Used to have lots of feeders in the backyard. As my birding skills improved, I recorded many birds in our yard, around and in that pond.

Yes, it was fun to reminisce about when I learned to bird watch and to see the old homestead.

I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I muse on the work of Your hands. (Psalms 143:5 NKJV)

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Best Local Playgrounds: Hampton Pines Park

City of North Lauderdale – Parks and Recreation

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