Hidden Waters Preserve

Birders travelling through the Eustis/Mount Dora area will enjoy this unique preserve that has more than 3 miles of hiking trails; a rapid change in elevation of 105 feet makes for a fun and unique hike. Steep slopes lead down to Lake Alfred, a sinkhole lake formed over time by underground water sources. The slope forest surrounding the lake shelters migratory songbirds such as American Redstart, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Wood Thrush and Great Crested Flycatcher. Check the lake for resident Wood Ducks, White Ibis and Sandhill Crane; Blue-winged Teal and Hooded Merganser may be present in winter. Search the open, fallow areas on the perimeter for Cooper’s Hawk, American Kestrel and Common Ground-Dove. Chipping, Field and Grasshopper Sparrows winter in these grassy areas as well. Gopher Tortoises are resident at the preserve.