Posted by Paul Bithorn on February 16, 2003 at 13:19:47:
On Saturday, February 15, 2003, Kevin Sarsfield, Juan Villamil, Paul Watson, a visiting Bermudan Birder and I made a 20-hour West Coast swing in search of Green-tailed Towhee, Brewer’s Blackbird, Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Snowy Plover and Budgerigar.
Our first stop, the “Celery Fields” off Fruitville Rd. in Sarasota, produced 7 species of duck and 6 sparrow species, including Lincoln's, Field, Song, Swamp, Savannah and Grasshopper.
We continued north to Honeymoon Island, where the Green-tailed Towhee (396), easily the bird of the day, was singing its’ little heart out at about high noon, giving us excellent views, while feeding on the ground, when an Eastern Towhee hopped in to feed next to it.
We continued north on US 19 to in search of the Brewer’s Blackbird (398). Richard Miller, a Clearwater birder, joined us and shortly thereafter, the bird popped up in a cow pasture south of the pond, eventually posing atop a cow patty. It was in the company of Killdeers, which provided us with great size comparison. Soon, Five Bass Pale Ales were being hoisted in celebration of this momentous occasion. When you reach Holiday, take Sunray Blvd east about 2.5 miles (the road's name changes to Perrine Ranch Road after crossing the Anclote River), turn right on Olde Farm Road and continue right on a dirt road. Park in front of the pond and scan the pastures on both sides of the road.
We returned to US 19 and headed north to Hernando Beach, where we found a Budgie, a rare lifer for Juan, atop a birdhouse. It was now time to make the return trip south along a very busy US 19 and its’ many “roadside attractions.” This road is the textbook for the do’s and don’ts of urban planning.
Fort Desoto County Park, one of the “crown jewel” birding destinations in Florida, treated us to Redhead, Western Kingbird, Piping Plover and a dozen Snowy Plovers found on North Beach.
After a total of 111 species seen we headed home after a belly full of Woody's BBQ in Sarasota. Kudos to the California birder, who found the Towhee, Erik Haney, for his dogged determination in relocating the bird, Ken Tracey, for finding a needle in a haystack, Jean Dubi, for giving us the Black-bellied Whistling Duck location, Brian Rapoza for subbing for me on the TAS birdwalk and to my fellow birders, whose many posts and shared passion for birding fuels my desire to chase rare birds. Life is good.................398 down and two to go.