Posted by Brian Ahern on January 17, 2003 at 18:26:20:
RBA
* Florida
* Statewide
* Date January 17, 2003
* FLFL0301.17
-Birds mentioned:
PACIFIC LOON
WESTERN GREBE**
Black-bellied Whistling-Duck
AMERICAN BLACK DUCK
COMMON EIDER
Surf Scoter
Long-tailed Duck
Common Goldeneye
White-tailed Kite
SWAINSON’S HAWK
Short-tailed Hawk
Long-billed Curlew
PURPLE SANDPIPER
ICELAND GULL**
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Smooth-billed Ani
LESSER NIGHTHAWK
CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD**
Rufous/Allen’s Hummingbird
Least Flycatcher
BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER
CASSIN’S KINGBIRD**
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
Winter Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Wilson’s Warbler
Yellow-breasted Chat
Henslow’s Sparrow
HARRIS’S SPARROW**
LINCOLN’S SPARROW
LAPLAND LONGSPUR
BREWER’S BLACKBIRD
Bronzed Cowbird
**This is a review species in Florida. Any details of sightings should be sent to the FOS records committee at the address given at the end of this report.
Hotline: FLORIDA RARE BIRD REPORT
to report e-mail: BrianAhern@aol.com
compiler: Brian Ahern
transcriber: Same
This is Brian Ahern reporting the Florida Rare Bird Alert for 01/17/03. This report is sponsored by FLORIDA NATURE TOURS, which offers tours to the Dry Tortugas, South Florida, private guiding and a special Pelagic Trip off of Ponce Inlet on May 17th. For information go to http://www.floridanaturetours.com or call 407-363-1360. Reports are followed by coordinates from the DeLorme Florida Atlas & Gazetteer and the page number of Bill Pranty's ABA guide "A Birder's Guide to Florida" when possible.
LEON COUNTY
A first year male CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD was banded by Fred Bassett in Fran Rutkovsky’s yard on Friday 10th in Tallahassee. The Calliope was only seen that day. Please contact Fran for further updates at prutkov@garnet.acns.fsu.edu DeLorme p. 50
A WINTER WREN was found on Sunday 12th at Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park which is off Crowder Road in Tallahassee. Also a male WILSON’S WARLBER was seen feeding near the entrance to the nature trail (S. & D. Jue). DeLorme p. 50
WAKULLA COUNTY
At St. Marks NWR on Sunday 12th a HENSLOW’S SPARROW was found at the “helispot field”, two LONG-TAILED DUCKS were at Picnic Pond, three AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS at Mounds Pool #3, and six COMMON GOLDENEYE were seen from St. Marks R. Bay (C.K. Borg). DeLorme p. 50; Pranty p. 76
NASSAU COUNTY
A first year ICELAND GULL was seen on jetty rocks at high tide just east of the tip of Ft. Clinch pier in Fernando Beach on Saturday 11th, but has not been re-found. However, a LONG-TAILED DUCK and six to eight PURPLE SANDPIPERS are still present (P. Leary). DeLorme p. 41; Pranty p. 100
DUVAL COUNTY
The first winter female LAPLAND LONGSPUR was seen on again Sunday at Huguenot Park in Jacksonville. It's been found south of the rock jetty along the dune line in some vegetation at a washed out parking lot. Drive to the end of the paved road inside the park and then walk east towards the jetty. You will come to another part of the pavement. It has an oval of weeds, a sign not to drive on the dunes, a boulder, and a short piece of fencing. The longspur was in the weeds, then sat on the boulder and then sat on the fence. It was in the company of a Savannah sparrow Directions to the park: from I-95 take Hecksher Dr (1st exit north of Trout River Bridge) east to the ocean. The park is at the mouth of the St. Johns River, admission 50 cents per person (D Simpson). DeLorme p. 58; Pranty p. 102
LAKE COUNTY
On Friday 10th a YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT was found at Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area. The Chat was found a few hundred meters north of marker 5 on the driving route (not yet open to driving). Also two LINCOLN’S SPARROWS have been hanging around the thickets on the east end of the S.N. Knight parking area entrance (Airstrip Road) for the last month or so. For more info and directions to EMCA, see http://www.stetson.edu/~pmay/emeralda/direct.htm (P. May). DeLorme p. 79
SEMINOLE COUNTY
The HARRIS’S SPARROW is still being seen at the Marina Isles fish camp on the north side of highway 46 just east of the bridge over Lake Jessup/St Johns River. Please stay on the small dirt road and do not go near the mobile homes. Birders are also encouraged to go into the general store to make a “purchase” and obtain permission. The bird seems fond of the grassy area to the west side of the parking lot in front of the River Hilton houseboat, but has been found in several other locations. It is usually seen feeding in the company of Savannah Sparrows and Palm Warblers (S. & J. Klesius, D. Robbins). DeLorme p. 80
VOLUSIA COUNTY
Two PURPLE SANDPIPERS are still being seen on the jetty at Smyrna Dunes Park (R. Kruetzman). Also on Sunday 13th a LAPLAND LONGSPUR was seen from the boardwalk and on the boardwalk at New Smyrna Dunes State Park (J. Sigsbee). DeLorme p. 81; Pranty p. 176
BREVARD COUNTY
The COMMON EIDER is still being seen at Jetty Park. It was found close to the jetty where it swam and fed at the bases of the boulders between the concrete boardwalk and the jetty less than thirty feet away (B. Anderson & B. Payne). DeLorme p. 88; Pranty p. 176
Groups of BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCKS were seen flying over Providence Rd. at dusk on Tuesday 14th (K. Allie & H. Bechtel). DeLorme p. 87
HERNANDO COUNTY
A RUFOUS/ALLEN’S HUMMINGBIRD is coming to a feeder in the backyard of Andy and Elaine Maywalt in Spring Hill, Hernando County. It appears to be an adult female Rufous, with a band on its right leg. Fred Bassett banded the right leg of an adult female Rufous in this yard last January, so perhaps it is the same bird. The Maywalts invite any birders to visit their backyard, whether they are home or not. Park in the street, and walk around the left side of their house to the cement slab. This morning the hummer was only coming to the all-red feeder. It visited the feeder at 8, 8:20, 9 and 9:30. The Maywalts live at 5194 Mosquero Rd., Spring Hill; phone (352) 686-8195. Directions: Coming from the north or south on US-19, turn east at the light on Northcliffe. (This is the first traffic light south of SR-50, and the fifth light north of (CR-574) Spring Hill Drive.) Take the third right onto Beachview Drive, and, when it dead-ends, right onto Mosquero (B & A. Hansen). DeLorme p. 77
PASCO COUNTY
The adult PACIFIC LOON in basic plumage was relocated Friday 17th from Green Key Park. From the small beach on Green Key the lone loon was seen feeding several hundred yards out Originally it was found on the West Pasco CBC from the end of the boardwalk. The loon was seen pretty far out so a scope is needed. To reach the park, follow Green Key Rd. west from US-19 in New Port Richey (K. Tracey). DeLorme p. 82; Pranty p. 116
At Key Vista Park in New Port Richey a GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET was found in a mixed wintering flock within the park (R. Smart). DeLorme p. 119
PINELLAS COUNTY
On Tuesday a BREWER’S BLACKBIRD was seen off Old Keystone Rd. in East Lake. There is a loop of Old Keystone. About 1/2 mile in from the west you turn left (north) just past the soccer fields. The bird was near the pond on the east side of the road (S. Turner). DeLorme p. 90
A LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL is still around the pier at Redington Beach. Saturday 11th it was seen just south of the pier along the beach (I. Hernandez). DeLorme p. 90
A GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET is still present at Walsingham Park. It was seen by the main road that is near the maple swamp, which is across the main road from shelter 6 (J Fisher). DeLorme p. 90
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY
Two RUFOUS HUMMGINBIRDS and a PINE SISKIN have been coming to feeders at Steve Backes’ house in Valrico. Go south on Valrico Rd. from SR 60 to Durant Rd. (through one traffic light to the stop sign). Go west (right) on Durant to the second left (Meadowridge Dr.). Head Southwest on Meadowridge to 1512. The feeders are in the backyard on the left. Listen for the goldfinches. They may be in my yard or across the street. They spook easily but usually come back fairly soon after things calm down (S. Backes). DeLorme p. 91/92
MANATEE COUNTY
A SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER continues to be seen in Manatee County, one block west of the intersection of 36th Ave. E. and 44th St. E. From I-75, go south (west) on 301 to "downtown" Ellenton. Turn north at the light on Ellenton-Gillette Rd. (36th Ave. E.) and proceed to 44th St. E. (Experimental Farm Rd.) turn west. The bird has been seen in the first block or so on the power lines on the south side of the road (J. Turner). DeLorme p. 91
SARASOTA COUNTY
At dawn movements of 300+ BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCKS can be seen from the stock yard just to the east of the fields (near the home where the Barn Owls have been frequenting) at the Celery Fields. Take Fruitville Road (exit 39 from I -75), just east of the overpass. Make the first right (Coburn Rd) as you head east on Fruitville from I-75. You will pass Ackerman Park (a small lake) on your right. The area across from the park is the northern part of the celery fields. Continue straight to the intersection with Palmer Rd and make a left. Both sides of this road, up to the gazebo are the celery fields (L. Snyder). Early evening seems to be the best time to view them in large numbers. A LINCOLN’S SPARROW was found on Center Road, right behind the hill at the Celery Fields Thursday 16th. It was seen in the tall weedy grasses where the Indigo
Buntings have been hanging out (J. Dubi). DeLorme p. 97; Pranty p. 140
LEE COUNTY
A WESTERN GREBE first found by a visiting birder earlier in the week has now been relocated from Ft. Myers Beach. From the beach it has been seen in the water from 75 to 200 yards out anywhere from the Holiday Inn to Beach Public Access #17. During the last two days it has been seen more between Public Access #15 & #17. A scope is recommended. Beach Public Access #s are marked on large “vertical banner type signs” along the west side of Estero Blvd. Each access site has a very small parking lot, which could fill up very quickly on weekends. As a suggestion start scanning from #16 (Davis Dr.) out and to the north, which is where it was last seen on Thursday (M. Gonsalo, V. Lucas, B. Ahern). DeLorme p. 110; Pranty p. 191
The LONG-BILLED CURLEW wintering at Bunche Beach was seen again on the 13th (V. Lucas & all). DeLorme p. 110; Pranty p. 191
COLLIER COUNTY
A LESSER NIGHTHAWK was seen at Eagle Lakes Park in Naples on Wednesday 15th. The bird showed up over the western most pond (Pond A) just after sunset @ 6:05pm, but may show up slightly earlier under overcast conditions. However the next night, Thursday, at least five LESSER NIGHTHAWKS were seen in the same area between 6pm & 6:30pm. At least ten BRONZED COWBIRDS are in the area too. To reach the park from I-75, take exit 101, go south on CR 951 (Collier Blvd.) @ 8 miles to US 41 (Tamiami Trail), then west @ 1 mile to the park which will be on the right (north side of US 41). The ponds are to the north of the ball fields (T. Doyle & all, V. Lucas). DeLorme p. 111
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY
A SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER is being seen along route 724 (Eagle Island rd.), which leads to Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park. WHITE-TAILED KITES are being seen along the same road and inside the park (Paul). DeLorme p. 101
PALM BEACH COUNTY
Two SURF SCOTERS were seen again on Sunday 13th in the Intracoastal Waterway from South Palm Park in Lake Worth. The park is in a residential neighborhood at the east end of 11th Avenue South in Lake Worth. On street parking is permitted. If you are coming from the north, you can exit I-95 at 6th Avenue South, follow it east to Federal, then go south to 11th Avenue South, then east to the Intracoastal. DeLorme p. 115
A LONG-BILLED CURLEW was found in Palm Beach on Saturday 11th. Directions are as follows: Go west from West Palm Beach on route 80 towards Belle Glade. Approx. 3.2 miles passed the Seminole Pratt-Whitney traffic lights the L.8 canal goes north. Take the west side of the canal, which is a dirt road for 2 miles until a large rock pit on the left. A scope is needed. A LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was also in the area (B. Hope & P. Cohen). DeLorme p. 109
Two SWAINSON’S HAWKS were seen soaring over Highway 27, 1 mile N of the Sawgrass Recreation site (M. Reid). DeLorme p. 108/114
A single SMOOTH-BILLED ANI seen perched on chain-linked fence on W.Perimeter Rd. immediately after turning off from Griffin and turning to the left (B. Pittell). DeLorme p. 115
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
At Mary Krome Park a RUFOUS/ALLEN’S HUMMINGBIRD was found on Monday 14th (J. Boyd). DeLorme p. 122; Pranty p. 230
On Sunday 12th a dark morph SHORT-TAILED HAWK was seen soaring over the parking lot of Baptist Hospital on Kendall Drive (P. Bithorn). DeLorme p. 119; Pranty p. 222
A CASSIN’S KINGBIRD was found in Saturday 11th at the following location. Turn right off of the main road into Everglades National Park (SR-9336) onto S.W. 209th Ave. in Florida City to look for flycatchers. Local birders refer to this area as Flynn's and the loop back to S.W. 212th Ave. is well described in the third paragraph on Page 232 of Pranty's; A Birder's Guide to Florida. Upon turning left on S.W. 212 Ave. three SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHERS are the power lines on the east side of the road. Just south of them on the wires was the CASSIN’S KINGBIRD. Later that evening Western Kingbirds came into roost in the same area (P. Bithorn). DeLorme p. 122
At Lucky Hammock a BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER was seen behind the shed. The LEAST FLYCATCHER and YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT are still being seen in the hammock. In the area south of the hammock known as the Southern Glades Wildlife and Environmental Area three juvenile SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHERS were found (P. Bithorn). DeLorme p. 122
Good Birding!
Documentation of rarities for FL Ornithological Society Records
Committee should be sent to:
FOSRC, c/o Archbold Biological Station, PO Box 2057,
Lake Placid FL 33862.
Website: http://www.fosbirds.org/
Florida Rare Bird Alert Mail-list: To subscribe go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FLRBA
Florida Birding website: http://www.javaswift.com/floridabirds/
FLORIDABIRDS-L website: http://bkpass.tripod.com/floridabirds.htm
For more information on Florida bird sightings, locations, and
discussion please visit the following archives:
Statewide sightings/discussion listserv:
BIRDBRAINS: http://listserv.admin.usf.edu/archives/brdbrain.html
FLABIRDING: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FlaBirding/
FLORIDABIRDS-L: http://www.lists.ufl.edu/archives/floridabirds-l.html
Regional sightings/discussion listservs:
North Florida: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nflbirds/
East Florida: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Eastbirders/
Southwest Florida: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SWFLBirdline/
Southeast Florida: http://tropicalaudubon.org/tasboard/index.html
Brian Ahern
Tampa, FL.
BrianAhern@aol.com