Shadow Bay Park

Formerly known as Lake Cane Marsha Park, this Orange County oasis safeguards a biologically-rich remnant of the Lake Wales Ridge. Despite being surrounded by urban development, a diverse array of habitats awaits you, including rosemary scrub, longleaf pine forest, xeric oak scrub, wetlands and four ponds. The northern section of the park offers the most productive birding, especially the foot trails between Lupine Pond and Woodland Pond. Look for Blue-Headed Vireo, House Wren and Eastern Phoebe in winter, plus Yellow-throated Warbler and Indigo Bunting all year. Limpkins can be seen on the ponds; Glossy Ibis and American Bittern (winter) turn up here on occasion as well. Wood Duck, Hooded Merganser and Mottled Duck may also be present on the ponds. Check overhead from time to time for Osprey and Cooper’s Hawk – both nest inside the park. A paved walkway and a separate, unpaved foot path span most of the park’s perimeter. Don’t miss the foot trails through the rosemary scrub – a number of rare plants such as Scrub Lupine grow here. The oaks can be good during migration – check for Magnolia Warbler, Ovenbird, Eastern Wood-Pewee and Baltimore Oriole. This is a good spot for families.