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Posted by Bob Showler on 10:03:32 11/11/06
Hi:
During the past two weekends I've spent a fair amount of time birding along the first mile or so of the Old Ingraham Highway in Everglades National Park. This is the area where the park eradicated vast monocultures of Brazilian Pepper a few years ago, setting the stage for large wetland areas.
Birds have been impressive. I've observed 10 raptor species, including Red-tailed, Swainson's, and Short-tailed Hawks, plus Peregrine & Merlin. This is one of the few places left in the park where you can fairly easily see waterfowl: I saw lots of coots, plus Ring-necked Duck, Blue- and Green-winged Teal, and Northern Pintail. I counted a half dozen or so species of shorebirds. Swamp and Savannah Sparrows are visible, and rails are vocal. All this....and not another soul in sight!
To get there from the park's main entrance, take the road to Royal Palm (Anhinga Trail). Turn right on the Research Center Road. At the first sharp right, proceed straight ahead onto a dirt road. This is The Old Ingraham Highway. Take this road a half mile or so to a gate. Park and walk from there. A scope is highly recommended.
Mrazek Pond near Flamingo is showing some promise. My wife (Christi Carmichael) counted 66 Green Herons there a couple of weeks ago. Anhingas are also hanging out in good numbers. A 3-foot crocodile, along with a few gators, are also being seen.
Finally, White Pelicans are appearing in Florida Bay in impressive numbers. Last weekend we conservatively estimated over 1000 piling onto the flats in front of the Flamingo Visitor Center during a falling tide.
Bob Showler
Everglades National Park
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