Posted by David LaPuma on January 26, 2001 at 18:21:42:
Hi all! Just thought I'd put the idea in anyone's head who might be heading up to Boca for the Ash-throated Flycatcher. I was up in the area yesterday (spent 5 minutes looking for the flycatcher with no luck....in a rush! drats!), accross the street from the nature center at both Red-Reef and South Beach Park (just north of the x-sec of Palmetto Park Road and A1A) and there were MANY palaegics working the waters on the horizon. I didn't have a scope and was pressed for time, but Jaegers of some spp. were seen (20+) and several (10+) Northern Gannets were seen in only several minutes. One gannet (juvinile) came as close as 20 yards offshore and fed for 20 minutes on some schooling fish! The parks are some of my research sites (not bird related), and have been pretty fruitful in past winters for seabirds. I reccomend parking at the pavilion (where Palmetto Park Road deadends into A1A) and walking North on the beach to the park (you'll see the fancy lifeguard stations). Otherwise there's an 8-10 dollar fee to park in the park. Please report any sightings to the list so we can keep track of this great place!!!
good birding
David LaPuma