Posted by Brian Ahern on January 24, 2003 at 17:42:52:
RBA
* Florida
* Statewide
* Date January 24, 2003
* FLFL0301.24
-Birds mentioned:
RED-THROATED LOON
PACIFIC LOON
WESTERN GREBE**
GREATER FLAMINGO
TRUMPETER SWANS**
Snow Goose
AMERICAN BLACK DUCK
COMMON EIDER
Long-tailed Duck
Surf Scoter
Black Scoter
White-winged Scoter
Common Goldeneye
White-tailed Kite
Short-tailed Hawk
BLACK RAIL
Long-billed Curlew
PURPLE SANDPIPER
ICELAND GULL**
GLAUCOUS GULL**
Lesser Black-backed Gull
HEERMANN’S GULL**
Gull-billed Tern
Smooth-billed Ani
SHORT-EARED OWL
LESSER NIGHTHAWK
Rufous Hummingbird
Least Flycatcher
Vermilion Flycatcher
BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
WARBLING VIREO**
Brown Creeper
Winter Wren
SPRAQUE’S PIPIT
Wilson’s Warbler
Yellow-breasted Chat
Dickcissel
Clay-colored Sparrow
LE CONTE’S SPARROW
Henslow’s Sparrow
HARRIS’S SPARROW**
White-crowned Sparrow
LINCOLN’S SPARROW
“SLATE-COLORED” JUNCO
RUSTY BLACKBIRD
Pine Siskin
**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 01/24/03. 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.
OKALOOSA COUNTY
The four TRUMPETER SWANS are still present in Rocky Bayou. The best place to currently see them is the campground area in Fred Gannon State Park (I. Hernandez & all). DeLorme p. 28
On Saturday 18th a BLACK RAIL was flushed in the Snipe Field at the Okaloosa County Landfill and the VERMILION FLYCATCHER is still at the city spray fields (D. Richardson & A. Knothe). DeLorme p. 44; Pranty p. 52
At Three Rivers State Recreation Area in Sneads, A blue morph SNOW GOOSE was found on Lake Seminole (B. Rapoza, P. Bithorn & all). Pranty p. 66
LIBERTY COUNTY
At least two HENSLOW’S SPARROWS and one WINTER WREN were seen Saturday 18th in Sumatra in the Appalachicola National Forest. From Rt. 65, take Rt. 379 northwest. About 5.8 miles from the intersection is Rd. 123. Walk a few hundred yards northeast into the fields. (C. Blum, C & C. Fegarido). Also seen in the same fields was LE CONTE’S SPARROW (B. Rapoza, P. Bithorn & all). DeLorme p. 48
LEON COUNTY
About two-dozen “SLATED-COLORED” JUNCOS were seen at Phipps Park on Saturday morning 18th. They were on the ground and under the trees near the parking lot, next to the soccer field, where the trailhead begins. Also seen was a juvenile WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW on the trail. The parking lot and trailhead at Elinor Klapp-Phipps park are located off Miller Landing Road, off N. Meridian (Rt. 155) (S. Matherly). Pranty p. 69
The WINTER WREN was seen again on Monday 20th at Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park which is off Crowder Road in Tallahassee. Also the male WILSON’S WARLBER was seen feeding near the entrance to the nature trail and two BROWN CREEPERS were observed about 150 yards into the trail with a flock of Chickadees Directions: Take I-10 to exit 199. Go north on US 27 (N. Monroe St.) approx. 1.7 miles. Turn right on Crowder Road and go about 1 mile. (Look for the brown signs.) Turn right on Indian Mound Road to the park. The current fee is $2 per vehicle (R. Lengacher). DeLorme p. 50
On Monday 20th at A. J. Henry Park a WINTER WREN was seen along the creek in the ravine near the second set of steps is The Park is off Gardenview Way in Killearn Estates, in northern Tallahassee between the Killearn and Arbor Hills subdivisions (M. Evans). DeLorme p. 50
FRANKLIN COUNTY
One SPRAQUE’S PIPIT was seen at the Apalachicola Airport on Saturday 18th. It was seen on the north west side by the yellow airplane hangars (D. Novier & all). On Tuesday 21st two more pipits were found in the grass directly in front of the office (J. Epler). DeLorme p. 60; Pranty p. 56
At “Mud Cove” in Alligator Point over 50 RED-THROATED LOONS and one PACIFIC LOON offshore and from the KOA Campground one female SURF SCOTER was seen (B. Rapoza, P. Bithorn & all). On the 16th at Mud cove a WHITE-WINGED SCOTER was spotted (D. Simpson). DeLorme p. 61; Pranty p. 56
Along Bottoms Rd. in Panacea a SHORT-EARED OWL was seen soaring over the marsh just before dusk (B. Rapoza, P. Bithorn & all).
WAKULLA COUNTY
At St. Marks NWR two LONG-TAILED DUCKS continue to be seen at Picnic Pond. On Saturday 18th a BLACK SCOTER was seen off the oyster bar near the lighthouse (T. Curtis). The two AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS are still at Mounds Pool #3, park at Gate #132, go down the trail to the "closed beyond this sign" sign, turn left onto Dike #131, go out to the pool and scope (I. Hernandez & all). A small group of RUSTY BLACKBIRDS were seen at the first bridge after the entrance and a distant COMMON GOLDENEYE was seen from the lighthouse (B. Rapoza, P. Bithorn & all). Though the “Helispot” field has recently been burned three HENSLOW’S SPARROWS were still found there (D. Simpson). A BROWN CREEPER was found at the parking lot by the restrooms at Mounds Trail on Thusrday 23rd (S.P. McCool). DeLorme p. 50; Pranty p. 76
A juvenile WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW was found in the boat ramp area at Mash Island Park in Ochlockonee Bay on Saturday 18th (S.P. McCool).
NASSAU COUNTY
An adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was seen on the beach at the Ft. Clinch pier in Fernandina Beach on Saturday 18th (P. Leary). DeLorme p. 41; Pranty p. 100
DUVAL COUNTY
On Friday 17th a 2nd winter GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Huguenot Park around 9:30 am on a high tide. The bird was on the south side of the jetty where gulls and terns typically congregate. The bird followed a shrimp boat in from the ocean. It spent about 30 minutes actively bathing and preening then flew north over the jetty and back to the ocean. Another GLAUCOUS GULL was seen on Wednesday 22nd (B. Richter). On Tuesday 21st. a first winter ICELAND GULL was seen around noon. The bird was on the beach in from of camping area #67 (M. Hafner & Z. Baer). Directions to Huguenot Park: In Jacksonville take I-95 or 9-A north to Hecksher Dr. Take Hecksher east to the ocean (B. Richter). DeLorme p. 58; Pranty p. 102
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 (W. Biggs & all). DeLorme p. 80
VOLUSIA COUNTY
Two PURPLE SANDPIPERS are still being seen on the jetty at Smyrna Dunes Park. Also a LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was seen in the area (W. Biggs & all). A CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was found among the dozens of Savannah Sparrows between Walkways 1 and 2 (K. & R. Harper). DeLorme p. 81; Pranty p. 176
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 fifty feet away (K. & R. Harpe, & all). DeLorme p. 88; Pranty p. 176
HERNANDO COUNTY
Three GULL-BILLED TERNS were seen at Pine Island Saturday afternoon 18th. They were hanging out with Laughing Gulls on an incoming tide (B. & A. Hansen). Pranty p. 112
PINELLAS COUNTY
An adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was seen on the 21st at Lassing Park in St. Petersburg, East end of 22nd Avenue South (R. Smith). 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. They may be in my yard or across the street (S. Backes). DeLorme p. 91/92
MANATEE COUNTY
On Wednesday 22nd an adult winter plumaged HEERMANN’S GULL was seen on Coquina Beach across from Coquina Baywalk Park (H. Nienhaus ). There is the possiabtly that this could be the same Heermann’s Gull that stayed at Ft. DeSoto for almost two years. DeLorme p. 97
SARASOTA COUNTY
The LINCOLN’S SPARROW was seen again Tuesday 21st on Center Road, right behind the hill at the Celery Fields. It was seen in the tall weedy grasses where the Indigo Buntings have been hanging out (T. Mossbarger). 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 DeLorme p. 97; Pranty p. 140
LEE COUNTY
The WESTERN GREBE was seen again on Sunday and Monday 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. However on Monday it was found just south off of the big fishing pier (J. Padilla-Lopez & A. Bankert). DeLorme p. 110; Pranty p. 191
A LONG-BILLED CURLEW was seen near the Sanibel Causeway Tool Plaza on Friday 17th. It could be seen from the sandy parking lot on the west side of the road. (E. Lundquist) Pranty p. 191
COLLIER COUNTY
A LESSER NIGHTHAWK was again seen at Eagle Lakes Park in Naples on Friday 17th. The bird showed up over the western most pond (Pond A) just after sunset @ 6:10pm, but may show up slightly earlier under overcast conditions. 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 (M. Gonsalo). DeLorme p. 111
PALM BEACH COUNTY
Six SMOOTH-BILLED ANIS were found at the Green Belt Park site off of Griffin Sunday 19th. They were in the shrubs right next to the entrance road to this small park, about 100 feet in from the entrance. DeLorme p. 115; Pranty p. 216
At the Belle Glade campground and marina, the male VERMILLION FLYCATCHER was found at the community building just outside the Belle Glade campground. The bird was seen on Thursday morning and again on Saturday morning, perched on the chain link fence around the trash barrels just west of the community building outside the campground. If you choose to visit the campground, PLEASE stop at the entrance gate and ask permission to walk through along the roads (L. Most). Pranty p. 205
A LONG-BILLED CURLEW is still present along the L-8 Canal. It is most often seen at mid-day in company with other shorebirds and gulls but it is not always around. The L-8 canal can be accessed from the north side of State Road 80 3.2 miles west of Seminole-Pratt Whitney Road, which is marked by a large red barn. This is just east of 20-mile bend. The access road/berm runs north along the west bank of the canal. The gate to this road is open but the road is posted as not maintained for public access and during the week there may be heavy construction and rock mining trucks going up and down. Go north along the canal for 2 miles to a shellrock mining area on the west side of the road. Sandy beach has formed along the south end and the far side of this rock pit and the L.B. Curlew rests on these beaches among the other shorebirds. A spotting 'scope is necessary to see this bird (L. Most).
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
A WARBLING VIREO was found at Castello Hammock Park on Sunday afternoon 19th. It was located in the hammock near the second unmarked marker after the second #16 marker (which is after the first #20...this all makes sense if you know the nature trail there). This is one of the relatively open areas of the hammock (J. Boyd). Pranty p. 230
At the “kingbird roost” site three SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHERS were seen over the weekend. 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 (A. Bankert & B. Roberts). DeLorme p. 122
At Lucky Hammock a BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATHER, LEAST FLYCATCHER and YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT are still being seen (A. Bankert & B. Roberts). On Sunday 19th one WHATE-TAILED KITE just south of Lucky Hammock, 1/2 mile before entrance to ENP, left side of the road (J. Ault). A WILSON’S WARBLER is also present on Lucky Hammock (R. Diaz). DeLorme p. 122
MONROE COUNTY
Inside Everglades NP an adult GREATER FLAMINGO was seen on the flats from the
Flamingo Visitor Center on Saturday 18th and two BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHERS were found along Gumbo Limbo Trail (A. Bankert). Both dark and light morph SHORT-TAILED HAWKS soaring low over Royal Palm Hammock on Saturday 18th (B. Roberts) and a probable (non-calling) BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER was found in the Hammock at Long Pine Key. At least five LESSER NIGHTHAWKS were seen flying over Eco Pond in the evening. At the end of Christian Point Trail on Sunday afternoon there was a single GREATER FLAMINGO feeding near White Pelicans in the northwest end of Snake Bight, west of Gibby Point. This is probable the same individual that was seen by the visitor’s center the day before. Also a SCISSOR-TAILED
FLYCATCHER was found in the coastal prairie north of the main park road across from the marina (B. Roberts). Two WHITE-TAILED KITES was found at the following site, take the first left turn after entering the Park, to Royal Palm Visitor Center, then turn right on the first road which goes to the Daniel Beard Research Center. Shortly after the Research Center the paved road turns left, go past the restoration area, which will be on the right (bulldozed ground), to a grassland area, the kites were successfully hunting in the grassland to the west (J. Ault). DeLorme p. 121/122; Pranty p. 234
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