Posted by Paul on November 12, 2002 at 03:31:28:
Despite record breaking heat this weekend trip was succesful in sightings of many pine and palm warblers at Royal Palm. Anhingas were about in great numbers as well as circling black vultures, turkey vultures, two red-shouldered hawks, several Great Blue herons, two bitterns trying hard to be invisible, and here is an oddity, a mockingbird with so many berries in its gullet that its throat was distorted. Common egrets, little blues, and green backs were everywhere. Speaking of everywhere, the zephyr lillies are in bloom along the road and the white of the lillies spread out across the sawgrass blends with the white of the common egrets.
Mosquitos are no problem at Royal Palm. At Flamingo, in the grass areas and shade, oh my! We found the best birding for shore birds along the shore line by the motel not by the amphitheatre. Probably because of the construction in the campground area. What birds? Who can tell, there were so many and all mixed in with one another we have to get the pictures processed first. For sure willets, and turnstones.
And here is a news item. Xanterra has taken over thirty rooms from the motel for its employees since Dade/Monroe county condemned the workers living quarters. Which translates to less rooms in the hotel. If you are thinking reservations you'd better think quick.
Eco-pond is once again filling in. the growth is overwhelming the open water along the shore line. By March there will probably be no open shore line left. Too bad, as it did afford great viewing opportunity close up.