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Posted by Paul-the-other on 05:18:01 10/27/06
Palm warblers and redstarts in moderate size groups passed through Thursday. Flurries of 7 to 35 were seen sporadically at many different sites of the 24 acres but all were drifting southward. One surprising aspect developed as sprinklers were being run at sunset was the birds congregating to bathe in the short foliage such as hamelia, strongbark, joewoods, etc. As one group enjoyed their communal bath they were joined by ruby throated hummingbirds (3). Quite a sight! Pass the soap please.
And, not on birds but a "nature observation": an outbreak of small worms feeding on pine tree needles has hit the grounds. The catepillars are about 1/2 inch long and are actually eating the needles. We have seen pine tip moth, and pine bark beetle but never this creature (pest?). During dusk patrol the headlamps of the John Deere gator flashed the pines that literally sparkled with oozing resin coming from all the munched needles. Is it time for a "sevin & sevin" cocktail or should we just be gentle beholders and rely on "this too shall pass."
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