Posted by Alex on May 22, 2003 at 23:49:59:
Today our 8th grade at my school had a field trip to Universal Studios in Orlando. Besides the fact that I got to ride the roller coasters and other rides, the bird life for the next 200 miles would be good. I did'nt expect that much, but got some good birds. Here are the notable birds I saw:
Swallow-tailed Kite
15 Sandhill Crane
1 Wild Turkey
6, possibly 8 Fulvous Whistling Ducks
Motlled Duck- 6
Mallard x Mottled Duck hybrid
Black Vulture
Turkey Vulture
Red-shouldered Hawk
Wood Stork
Tricolored Heron
Little Blue Heron
Great Blue Heron
The Whistling Ducks were lifers. They seemed in good numbers. They are always in either pairs, or even-paired groups. I saw the first 4 at dawn near Pompano Beach, and the other four near dusk a couple miles from Orlando. Some were seen not on the water, but "grazing" on the land. I saw them all in the small man made lakes along the highway. If anyone can comment on these birds, please do. I found these birds very interesting. Is it possible these were Black-bellies? I'm pretty sure they live just west of where I was and in smaller numbers.