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Posted by Larry Manfredi on 18:20:03 10/24/08
I was birding today with Lynn Barber who is finishing up a big year. She was at 699 species for the year, but had missed Smooth-billed Ani and Greater Flamingo. She had been to Florida a couple times earlier in the year for other species. We went early this morning up to the 800 building off Old Griffin Road in Hallandale to look for the Smooth-billed Anis that I saw Tuesday of this week. We saw 7-birds including an adult that was feeding young in a nest, I don't know how many are in the nest. This spring the birds fledged three birds, at least that is how many that I counted. It is encouraging to see them nesting again in the fall, this most likely has occurred due to the heavy rains that we have had this summer.
From there we went down to Flamingo in Everglades National Park to look for the reported Greater Flamingos. We had success finding them north of Christian Point and south of Snake Bight Trail. We counted 8-birds with one full adult bird, the rest appeared to be immature. The Greater Flamingos may be seen by walking Christian Point Trail with water proof boots and then wading out in the mud at the end. Look to the left and you should see them, you will not be able to see them from Snake Bight Trail. There are too many trees blocking your view and the birds are in kind of a cove(bring tons of Mosquito repellent). The best way to see them is by boat which is what we did, there are a few fishing charter boats that run out of Flamingo. Some of them may be willing to take birders to see the birds. Expect to pay around $450.00 for a half day charter to see the birds.
Lynn ended up getting three birds: Smooth-billed Ani (number 700), Common Myna (now countable) and Greater Flamingo to give her a total of 702 for the year!
Larry Manfredi
Homestead, FL
E-mail: birderlm@bellsouth.net
http://www.southfloridabirding.com
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