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Posted by Alex Harper on 13:59:49 03/29/09
I went for a walk around the nature trail on the University of West Florida after breakfast and before some studying. The first Chimney Swifts were calling around the library, and a Red-eyed Vireo was singing in the distance. Northern Parulas have been singing for a few weeks now, joining the chorus of Tufted Titmice, Carolina Chickadees, Pine Warblers, and House Finches. As soon as I stepped onto the nature trail boardwalk, I started seeing Prothonotary Warblers. Soon I realized I was in the middle of a Prothonotary battleground. About six of them were chasing eachother all around a stand of cypress, once almost running into me, and a few times buzzing by my legs. I could feel the small gust of wind as they flew around, oblivious to me. There were ten or so in just a small area. A lingering Swamp Sparrow may be the last one I see until late September. Lastly, the most exciting to me was finding my first Eastern Hognosed Snake. For all you herp enthusiasts, you may know this is a big sighting. Very exciting.
A Hooded Warbler last Friday was also an exciting find. I am used to finding these birds in rather large numbers, however, as they breed on campus.
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