Posted by Jeff Weber on December 09, 2002 at 13:48:44:
Kevin Sarsfield and I escorted a small group of beginning birders to Everglades National Park on Saturday, Dec. 7. Most birds sighted were the ordinary types, with instruction being given on how to separate the common waders in adult and juvenile plumages. However, we did spot a dark-phase Short-Tailed Hawk soaring over Anhinga Trail, plus a group of nine American White Pelicans gliding past the Coe Visitors' Center (odd place for them to be . . .). There was a Yellow-Throated Warbler in the palms at the very beginning of the Anhinga Trail (just behind the building). In the fields just east of, and across the road from, Lucky Hammock were no less than seven Sandhill Cranes - more than I have seen there before.
We saw two Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers on the foot trail past Gate 2B on Research Road. A little farther down Research Road, we encounted a pugnacious young Florida Cottonmouth in the middle of the pavement. Since there was a lot of construction traffic on the road (they are clearing out Brazilian peppers at the end), we thought it best to redirect the little guy into the marsh. Kevin sought to herd it off the road with a palm rib, but the snake gave quarter only after much gaping and striking. Our beginning birders sagely chose to observe from afar, though binoculars.
t was a good trip, much enjoyed by both participants and leaders. We'll try to think of some way to publicize the next beginning birding event scheduled to increase the number of participants.