Posted by John Boyd on November 24, 2002 at 15:58:33:
I did some birding at Lucky Hammock and the near part of the Everglades this morning.
I started before sunrise at Anhinga Trail. My early start brought several calling King Rails, an American Bittern right next to the paved trail, and lots of Wood Storks. Other than the Myrtle hordes and Yellowthroats in the marsh, there weren't many warblers.
Other than Myrtles and Palms, warblers were also fairly scarce at Lucky Hammock. At least 8 Grasshopper Sparrows were on the east side of the brushy area across from Lucky Hammock. The swallows over the adjacent field included some Cave Swallows which were most likely of the West Indian variety. The Sandhill Cranes were also in the east field. Two Western Kingbirds were on the wires in the Annex.
From there I went back in the park and birded the pineland and restoration area along Research Road.
Brown-headed Nuthatches were heard squeaking, but not seen. Barn and Cave Swallows were present in the restoration area.
My last stop was Coe Visitor's center. The female Rufous/Allen's is still there. I tried for a while to get some photos. I succeeded, but they will not provide an ID. While I was doing this, I heard some Goldfinch calls, both the "potato chip" call and also the plaintive calls that earned them their latin name, tristis. I had the impression some of them were perched, but by the time I got in position were I might see them, none were either audible or visible.