The bird that builds large stick nests on the power poles, antennas and telephone poles is an Osprey. With a four to five foot wingspan, this bird of prey seems to spend most of it’s time hovering high above the water habitats of lakes and estuaries. It needs clear water to see it’s prey, which are fish. The bird dives and grabs a fish with its sharp curved talons and the spiny soles of it’s feet, which allow it to fly away with the food on it’s feet, to a high perch for a fresh feast. The Osprey’s feathers are dark on their backs with a white head that has a dark mask running from its sharp beak to the back of its head. It has a white underside with black wrist bands on the leading edge of it’s under wings. Smaller than a bald eagle, it shares the same habitats and the same food sources.
This geocache is placed in Highlands Hammock State Park with the permission of park management. All locations must be approved by the Volunteer Geocache Coordinator Sarah Straub (DTISarah@gmail.com) and adhere to the guidelines set by the park for geocache placement.
Vehicles are not permitted to park on any roadway within the park boundary. All vehicles must park within designated parking areas. The park is open from 8:00AM until sundown, 365 days a year. The admission fees are as follows: $6.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle. $4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle. $2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass. Camping is available in the park as well.
Highlands Hammock State Park's Website
For more information about accessing cache locations please visit the ranger station to view a copy of Essential Eligibility Criteria for Geocaching at Highlands Hammock State Park.
Please remember to cache responsibly and stay on designated trails.