Posted by Paul Bithorn on September 27, 2003 at 15:07:21:
It was suggested by a fellow birder that on my 11th attempt on Friday, September 25, 2003, to see the Black-faced Gatorquit, that I should try wearing the same cologne as Larry Manfredi in the hopes of enticing the bird into view. Being a plumber by trade, I only had some stuff called Eau De Toilette (pronounced Oh Da Toilet in plumber-speak), so I was out of luck in that respect.
I arrived at Long Pine Key at 7:00 a.m. and witnessed four or five Druid-like figures off in the distance staring intently into the woods. Amongst them was none other than Saint Larry Manfredi, Patron Saint of South Florida birders. Upon seeing me, they whispered that the bird was singing off in the distance. I lunged out of my van and like a gorilla in the mist waited as the bird began inching closer to the road. I could hear my heart thumping as the bird landed in a small Wild Tamarind Tree 10 yards in front of us. I raised my binoculars and just as I was prepared to look into the eye of the beast, it unexpectedly flew out a 100 yards back into the pines and then flew out of sight never to be seen or heard again.
With such poor light conditions, and no discernible field marks seen, I could not in good conscience count the bird. We then split up in the hopes of relocating this little rascal, when a little after 8 a.m. our radios received a call that an Olive-sided Flycatcher was found by Larry in the same area that the Grassquit had been seen.
I lumbered at break-neck speed to Oregonian Craig Roberts awaiting car and with Dean Vanier, from La Hoya, California zipped down the road to find Larry and Jean Turner from Bradenton, Florida staking out this extremely rare bird for anywhere in Florida (circa 55 records). The only Miami-Dade County records that come to mind are a record from Coconut Grove on March 5, 1957 by D.R. Paulson, author of Shorebirds of the Northwest and David Lysinger about 5 years ago at the Doc Thomas House in South Miami.
A classic case of the “Patagonia Picnic Table Effect,” where a second rare bird appears while searching for another rarity. The Northern Lapwing/Groove-billed Ani in Lake Wales several years ago is another example.
Excellent scope views were had by all as I tallied a lifer and 401st Florida bird. It was a Florida bird for Larry as well. Then the rains came and the Pine Rocklands became silent. After the rains, the woods became alive and I saw three yearbirds, Veery, Swainson’s Thrush and Scarlet Tanager and 12 warbler species were seen.
Life is good………………….. having friends like Larry and all the great birders from around the country. Many celebratory libations were hoisted last night as I was joined by 120 of my closest friends and family at a roast held in my honor after 16 years of public service as Councilmember (7) and Mayor (9) of the Village of Virginia Gardens. Pam, my wife of 26 years lightheartedly mentioned my 56 hours of Grassquit chasing in her roast. See y’all Sunday mornin’.