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Posted by Paul Willoughby on 11:25:45 12/20/06
I've just finished an 11 day visit to south and central FL, leading a tour for a UK bird tour company. These are the highlights, that may be of interest to you guys. All dates given are December 2006.
Am Bittern - singles Viera Wetlands and Rainey Slough.
Masked Duck - seen on 6th, Viera, thanks to TAS bird board.
Short-tailed Hawk - pale bird at Corkscrew Swamp 10th, dark bird Royal Palms, Everglades 12th.
Limpkin - usual ones and twos, plus 40 at Brinson Park, Lake Tohopekaliga. The first time I've seen such a gathering in FL.
Scissor-tailed Fly - one just north of Imokalee Prison, 11th.
American Pipit - 30 near Lerida on 8th.
Hermit Thrush - one Six Mile Cypress Slough 11th.
Am Redstart - singles Corkscrew Swamp and Lucky Hammock.
Blue-winged Warbler - male, Corkscrew Swamp, 10th. Our first winter sighting.
Ovenbird - 15th, great views under the feeder at Okeeheelee Nature Centre. Sorry about spelling of last word.
Louisiana Waterthrush - one, Corkscrew Swamp, 10th.
Blackpoll Warbler - one, Corkscrew Swamp, 10th. This is clearly our most surprising sighting of the tour. It was at the furthest point on the boardwalk, in the swamp with a mixed flock inc Am Redstart, Blue-w Warbler , Black-and-white, Orange-crowned etc. We got a close look for a couple of minutes. I immediately knew what it was, and checked the leg colour (dull yellowish) for good measure. I found one of these in the UK (31st accepted record, but only 3rd mainland record - most are on islands) back in 1993 which was seen by hundreds of birders, and I know the species well.
Yellow-throated Vireo, singles Mary Krome Park 13th, Royal Palms, Everglades 14th.
Summer Tanager - Lucky Hammock 12th.
Painted Bunting - 7 at Okeeheelee NC 15th, inc 2 ad males.
Plus lots and lots of other great stuff that is probably common to you guys.
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