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Posted by Mark Berney on 16:10:32 12/06/14
Up to five Neotropic Cormorants were observed at Wakodahatchee Wetlands in Palm Beach County this morning. At 6.45am two were roosting on the island just after the first shelter and to the right as you approach the "T" in the boardwalk. Two Neotropics have been nesting on the nearest of the NW islands and today a third was discovered. To find this island turn left at the "T" and it is on the other side of the line of trees. As in past seasons, each of these Neotropics is paired with a Double-crested Cormorant. Two of these nests are side by side on the right half of the island as you look from the boardwalk. The third (and new) nest site is on the left side of the island. All three nest sites are partially obscured by vegetation. One of the nests on the right has three nestlings (4-7 days old). This is the pair that started incubating first. The Neotropic Cormorant at this nest is a male. In the linked photo this Neotropic can be seen wing drying with its DCCO mate standing up in the nest and one nestling visible. The DCCO on the right of the photo is paired with another Neotropic.
Afterwards while walking the boardwalk loop I encountered a HY male Yellow-headed Blackbird which flew in with a small flock of Red-winged Blackbirds. I have not seen photos of the Green Cay Yellow-headed Blackbird and wonder if this is the same individual. Amazingly, while trying to locate the blackbird when it flew down to feed, I spotted a Virginia Rail running between clumps of vegetation. This was on the eastern side of the boardwalk loop just where it zig-zags and reaches open water. An Egyptian Goose was then found perched on the side of the boardwalk just before the shelter.
Mark
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