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Posted by Larry Manfredi on 23:26:53 10/28/08
I could go on with a much longer story about the White Wagtail but I won't. I was called at 4:30 p.m. by Jim Eager who found the White Wagtail, we were only able to leave by about 5:00 p.m. from my house. I checked the time for sunset which I think was 6:45 p.m., I figured with luck, we may make it down to Marathon in time to see this amazing bird. We pulled up to the four other birders present in Marathon and saw the White Wagtail right away. I went to get my camera and the bird flew off to I think the east/ southeast? My optimistic feeling is that it may have flown across US1 to roost. Jim Eager, Mark Hedden, Ray Smith and Rachel Smith and another woman plus my son and Victoria Rothman and perhaps her daughter got to see the bird! If we had stopped to use the bathroom or anything else we would not have seen it. This is the closest that I have ever come to missing a bird, truly amazing luck was with us!
A photo can been seen in the link below taken by Rachel Smith, thank you Rachel for sharing the photo!!
http://www.southfloridabirding.com/images/tasphotos/whwarachelsmith.jpg
Directions:
The Marathon Airport is located around mile marker 50 in Monroe County, the bird is being seen in the flooded area along the road that parallels US1. This area is at the Key West side of the airport which is kind of south to south west end of the airport. After you pass the small airport terminal go to a light, turn right and then left on the road that runs along side the airport. Just before you get to a second picnic table there will be a flooded area inside the airport property. Park in this area, the bird was seen along the runway side of this large puddle. You will be looking through the fence to the airport property.
Also seen here is what I think was a Lesser Nighthawk as it was getting dark and several shorebirds. A Burrowing Owl was also seen and some Blue-winged Teal and a Northern Shoveler. The group that was there before we got there also had an American Pipit. I have a link to a photo of that was also taken by Rachel Smith, thanks again Rachel for sharing the photo!
http://www.southfloridabirding.com/images/tasphotos/ampirachelsmith.jpg
The White Wagtail looks to be the Alba race, I have not had time to really check my books yet as I am tired.
I would like to give a HUGE THANKS to JIM EAGER for calling me as soon as he saw the bird. If he had not done so as quickly as he did we never would have made it to Marathon in time!! Thanks again Jim!!!
Let's hope that the bird stays around for a while.
Larry Manfredi
Homestead, FL
E-mail: birderlm@bellsouth.net
http://www.southfloridabirdng.com
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