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Posted by Angel & Mariel on 19:19:35 09/24/14
Sorry for the late reports, we've been a bit busy :)
Friday afternoon Mariel and I birded Kendall Indian Hammocks Park in the rain and were rewarded with some really nice birds. The highlight of the afternoon had to be the seven Blackburnian Warblers we came across throughout the park. The bulk of the activity was centered around the playground near the baseball fields and along the edges of the hammock. Eastern Kingbirds also put on a show in the rain as they attacked Virginia creeper in search of fruit for their next leg of migration. As the rain began a sprinkle and eventually clearing out, Common Nighthawks began to stream overhead along with swallows and martins.
Before leaving it dawned on us that Hans has been searching high and low for a Blackburnian all migration. We sent him a text telling him to get his gluteus over to the park, we had not one or two, but SEVEN Blackburnian's! After braving the crazy rush hour Kendall traffic, Hans arrived, anxious and worrisome, but I waved him over and he was on his newest lifer in just 10 seconds flat. I could feel the tension releasing as he realized that he was looking at his target bird, and that we were nice enough to sift through the Blackburnian's (yes sift through, wonder when I'll be able to say that again in Miami) and stick to the brightest male until he arrived.
Common Nighthawks continued to stream over the park as light faded and just then it hit me, Hans had seen three lifers today, why not go for four. There was 15 minutes of light left, we could get him another lifer, we know this city like the back of our hands. Five minutes later Hans was all smiles again when he realized that we weren't playing around, you want a lifer, we will get you a lifer. Two Spot-breasted Orioles sat motionless for Hans, vocalizing for him and showing off their bright coloration, success! We used up every minute of daylight and some twilight, and were rewarded with great birds. Warbler neck was rough, but we'll manage :)
Migration is Awesome!
Angel & Mariel
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