Posted by Paul (not Bihtorn) on December 23, 2002 at 06:42:29:
Visited Shark Valley on a cold, blustery day, Saturday. The usual display of wading herons, ibis, egrets, etc., were available. I was duly impressed by one little palm warbler that was absolutely fearless hopping around, over, under, through, toward,away, (and every other preposition) our feet. This bird was just "doing it". What a treat. If he stays you can't miss him as his show is right by the tram loading area.
The bad news is there is a injured red-shouldered hawk by the gate. His mate calls pitifully. He is crippled and dragging a left wing, probably a car collision. The ENP park people have urban legends to tell about don't bring it twenty feet and into the Park as it is "exotic." Whoever violates the rule will be fired or fined depending on whether they are an employee or visitor. What is exotic? A matter of some twenty feet? What if it limps into the Park? So he sat there and we kept company in its fate for 20 minutes until it limped back into the bushes. Truly the sting of death.
Night herons were also out and about as were the babies. I don't believe I have ever seen a less well groomed bird then the night herons. Adults and babies.
Very few people. Only one tram passed in two hours. Most visitors were walking or on bikes. This is a good time to visit.