Posted by Robin Diaz on December 22, 2002 at 17:05:17:
On 12/18 while doing the Long Pine Key CBC in Everglades National Park, Wally George, Conrad Sankpill, LeRoy Dorman and I saw an out-of-habitat very pale bluebird. We joked that if seen further west, it would be automatically ticked off as Mountain Bluebird. Wally's continuing interest in the bird was contagious, so today I relocated it. After studying it 25 minutes at ~35 feet on 30 X, I feel that it can be nothing other than a female Mountain Bluebird.
Details and description to follow; here are directions:
Enter ENP and turn left (south) toward Royal Palm. Turn right at sign for Research Center and stay on paved road as it turns sharply to the right and becomes "Research Road." Follow this as far west as it goes and turn south, going ~1/2 mile. On the west side of road will be mounds of debris. The bird is staying in the area of the mounds #2-6. On the east will be a sign stating "Notice: Closed to the Public" and farther south will be a single galvanized pole on the west side of road. The bird prefers this area.
Please note: This is an active construction site and do not block the heavy machinery or trucks.