Brooker Creek, Weedon Island Preserves

Brooker Creek Preserve

We were just five minutes into our hike along a wilderness trail nestled in the heart of Florida's most densely populated counties, and I could already check one species off my "watch-able" wildlife list, a pileated woodpecker.

There aren't many virgin forests left along Florida's coastline. But thanks to the foresight of area politicians, the land that now encompasses Brooker Creek Preserve was protected from development and set aside for future generations.

This 8,700-acre wilderness, located about 20 minutes north of Clearwater, has bobcat, foxes, deer, a variety of endangered plants and animal species, and of course, its highly touted birdlife. In fact, birders from all across the country flock to this spot because of its avian diversity.

Brooker Creek has four designated hiking trails ranging in length from 0.7 miles for the beginner to four miles for the serious hiker.

The main feature of this preserve is the creek itself, which has not been channellized or improved to assure that the various ecosystems continue to function as nature intended. At times, particular during the summer months, some portions of the trail may be under water. Preserve personnel have built bridges and elevated walkways through the cypress domes and swamps, so chances are you might see an alligator or water moccasin from the safety of a boardwalk.

My favorite walk is along the Flatwoods Trail because that where you are most likely to see woodpeckers. For some reason, I have a thing for these crazy birds. Maybe it is because I watched too many cartoons as a kid. But take your typical, tranquil forest setting, introduce a woodpecker and suddenly you have a party. They are big, loud, obnoxious, lovable birds with attitude.

But most important, they are easy to identify.

"The pileated's got the red head," said Sumpter, a wildlife biologist and expert birder.

"Like Woody the Woodpecker," I added, eager to share my birding knowledge.

"Exactly," he said.

Whenever possible, I bring along my old college roommate on hiking adventures. Unlike a field guide, he does not need to hitch a ride in my daypack, yet as a trained naturalist, he can still answer any question I put to him.

"Is that a bald eagle?" I ask, pointing to the bird soaring over our heads as we made our way to the 45-foot tall observation tower at nearby Weedon Island Preserve.

"Not quite, Einstein," he said. "That's an osprey... a little smaller than an eagle, but a bird of prey nonetheless."

Weedon Island Preserve

Weedon Island Preserve, about a 10 minute drive north of downtown St. Petersburg, is known primarily for its canoe and kayak trails. The South Paddling Trail is a four-mile loop that begins and ends at the fishing pier. The North Trail is currently closed.

But on this picture-perfect afternoon, we decided to explore the approximately 3,700-acre preserve on foot. As an amateur naturalist, I have made it a point to try to observe and document the myriad of species – 104 fish, 26 butterflies, 34 reptiles and 130 birds – said to inhabit this unique ecosystem.

"Put osprey at the top of your list," my friend the biologist advised.

"One down..." I said. "Now I only have 293 to go."

Weedon has more than 3 miles of hiking trails – of which 2 miles are handicapped accessible – open to the public. Two boardwalks extend deep into the mangroves, tidal flats and saltwater ponds, giving hikers a rare view of nature previously obtained only by those willing to paddle.

A paved trail cuts through the pine flatwoods connecting the two boardwalks. It passes by the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, which has one of the best exhibits on Native Americans on the West Coast of Florida.

The highlight for many is the observation tower, which on a clear day, offers an unhindered view of the two great cities that lie within easy driving distance.

"Hey ... isn't that downtown Tampa," I ask my friend.

"Now you are learning," he replied.