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Posted by Susan Schneider on 15:02:15 10/29/06
I took advantage of an unexpected day off to paddle the upper Turner River. I got an early start, enjoying crisp fall weather that reminded me more of past Octobers up north than in these latitudes. The first leg of the journey featured an American Bittern standing on the side of the road. It was still very early and darkish, so mine may have been the first vehicle in a while. Kirby Storter at sunrise was chilly and quiet except for Eastern Phoebes and a House Wren that I got to see, also the ubiquitous Palm Warblers of course. Eventually I located a Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Wren, and Red-shouldered Hawk, and as I neared the end of the trail Black-crowned Night Herons exploded in all directions. A Wood Stork was the highlight of the next leg, the first of several; and a deer emerged but fortunately stayed off the road.
Once launched, I found the Turner River full of more Black-crowned Night Herons and other waders, and what seemed like dozens of Belted Kingfishers. A cool-looking spider walked nonchalantly across the surface of the water right onto my yellow kayak. Florida Gar lurked underneath, swirling away as I approached. And I enjoyed looking *up* at a male Common Yellowthroat that was a few feet above the water checking me out. A Northern Parula also gave me good looks, but an Ovenbird and a Waterthrush were heard only.
I enjoyed an early lunch at Gator Hook on the west end of Loop Road, and hiked the trail until the point where it disappeared under water. Butterflies seem to love this area, and I had half a dozen species. The highlight here was a mystery vireo that I will have to conclude was a Philadelphia. I looked for and did not see dark lores, but perhaps it was one of the dull birds featured in Sibley. Also, it appeared to have a faint wingbar, and a superciliary that was yellow-tinged, not pure white. Other features were more on target: yellow throat, white underparts, yellow-tinged undertail coverts, thickish beak.
Finally, I stopped at the TT Snail Kite site, the extinct airboat ride just west of Shark Valley, and immediately spotted one. Where was it for Paul's TAS field trip last week? By this time I was ready to get in out of the heat!
Good birding, Susan
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