Posted by Paul Bithorn on August 04, 2002 at 20:12:54:
In Reply to: Tropical Kingbird, (probable) Bell Glade, Palm Beach County posted by Larry Manfredi on August 03, 2002 at 13:40:09:
Juan Villamil, Kevin Sarsfield, Bruce Purdy and I birded several South Florida sites in the hopes that fall migration would shift into second gear. We would not be disappointed. Holeyland/Rotenberger W.M.A. on the Palm Beach/Broward County line produced two Smooth-billed Anis where the paved road ends on the south side of the canal. I am afraid Black Rails have moved out of this area, due to the heavy construction from the Everglades C.E.R.P.The water levels in the areas of sawgrass where the rails once frequented is currently transitioning into a willow head. American Redstarts (2M & 1F), Common Yellowthroats, Prairie Warbler, Eastern Towhwees, Eastern Kingbird and Red-shouldered Hawks in every conceivable plumage were also seen along the road.
The sod farms and flooded fields east of US 27 in Palm Beach County south of South Bay were very productive. Two King Rails fed in the open in a large group of egrets herons and Wood Storks. Stilt Sandpipers, Short-billed Dowitchers (alternate plumage, Least Sandpipers, Greater & Lesser Yellowlegs, Blac-bellied & Semipalmated Sandpipers and Kildeer were in the flooded field just north and across the street from the tower. A lone Upland Sandpiper was seen while parked at the tower.A Least Bittern was seen at arockpit off of SR 827
Brown's Farm Road was quiet until we pulled into the Miami Sod Company complex, about 8 miles east from where you enter the road. A Tyrant Flycatcher was on the wire and after very careful study, we ( 8 other Miami-Dade County birders formed a caravan with us at the Holeyland) positively placed it in the Tropical/Couch's Kingbird complex. A tape of both songs failed to produce a response, but the olive-tinged breast above a yellow belly, a white chin, slightly forked tail, dark patch through the eye, a long narrow bill and light olive back made us lean heavily towards Tropical Kingbird. The bird hawhed for insects and picked of a flying grasshopper (species unknown). I hope that others will have the opportunity to study the bird for further comment.
On the drive back we stopped at a group of swallows on the powerlines. Tree, Barn and a single adult Cliff Swallow were identified.
Swallow-tailed Kites continue to group around Lake Okeechobee.After lunch at Sonny's BBQ we separated from the rest of the group and headed west on 80. Nothing much at the Ortona Locks near Labelle.We turned and headed south on 29. A short stop at W.J. Janes Scenic Drive in Copeland produced Downy Woodpecker, a male Hooded Warbler, Black and White Warbler, White-eyed Vireo and Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher.
Everglades City was quiet but Yellow-crowned Night-herons, Willets and Least Terns fed along Chockoloskee Bay.
Our last stop was Kirby Storter Wayside Park. Prothonotary Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush and Carolina Wrens were seen in this beautiful stand of Cypress trees.
No Snail Kites along the Tamiami Tampa-to-Miami) Trail, but a seven warbler day was excellent for this early in the fall. Life is good............when birding with good friends.