Joe Overstreet Landing

Joe Overstreet Landing on Lake Kissimmee is a very very off the beaten path area for wildlife viewing. We had to travel almost an hour away and miles down a dirt road just to get there, but it was worth it. It's known that you can see many caracaras and other wildlife in the area. We were hoping to get a good glimpse of the caracara. It's a very beautiful mix of cow pasture, lake and wetlands habitat. The only thing I found annoying were the exceedingly loud and obnoxious airboats buzzing about, disturbing the birds.

We visited in early spring and saw Ospreys nesting, a glossy ibis, all kinds of egrets and herons and many birds fishing. Ron also got to see the brilliant yellow breast of his first meadowlark and to hear its gorgeous song. We were hoping to glimpse whooping cranes (one of the few places in the country) but they were nesting at the time.

As we were leaving, we got a glimpse of a bird high in a snag. I yelled at Ron to stop as I thought it might be a caracara. Lo and behold, it was! We watched it for quite a while. They are such striking birds.
Total on our trip, we must have seen at least 6 of them flying overhead or high in trees, but that was the best glimpse we got. So cool!

I thought I'd leave you with a parting shot from one of the cows. It was a little intimidating, as in spots, the cows could come right up to you. Only in Florida. :)