FLORIDA’S GREAT BIRDING TRAIL BY NIKKI HOFFMAN

Harbor Hills Country Club is located at the highest elevation in North Central Florida, adjacent to Lake Griffin, a 9,400-acre lake. It offers golf, boating, racquet sports, and walking trails, providing something for everyone to enjoy.

The views are breathtaking, and residents frequently take advantage of our private dock and water access. The Lake Harris chain features 76,000 boatable acres, and, as my grandson can confirm, the fishing is outstanding. Waterfront restaurants offer panoramic views, and several Harbor Hills clubs organize boat trips on the water throughout the year.

Lake Griffin is part of the Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area, known as the Jewel of Lake County. It ranks among the most scenic spots along Florida’s Great Birding Trail, which has over 500 wildlife viewing sites across the state.

This morning, as I stepped onto my patio, I was greeted by the songs of many birds that call Harbor Hills home. Using a free app from Cornell University, recognizing them was simple. My morning serenade included the sounds of a Northern Mockingbird, a Red-bellied Woodpecker, a Carolina Wren, and a Mourning Dove. The free “Merlin Bird ID” app is available on Google Play and the Apple App Store. Over 10,000 bird species can be identified by their songs, calls, and images. Start the day with nature’s beautiful melodies.

Wrap up July’s calendar with two events: Wednesday’s Member Dining from 5 to 6:30 P.M., and Monday, July 28th, for Meet A Neighbor, Bring A Neighbor. Reservations requested. Reminder: it’s the last call for July's delicious Drink of the Month, the Blue Hawaiian.