Posted by Alex on October 18, 2003 at 22:02:23:
A common Snipe made an unexpected appearance in the middle of Miami Shores at 12:15 pm, on the sidewalk right on Biscayne Boulevard. It came in suddenly over a house in famous snipe-like zig-zagging flight, and stopped on the sidewalk. It then walked casually into some undergrowth. This is not very snipe-like at all.
Also, I had a 2 falcon day, with all 3 species today.
Turkey Vulture numbers are rising, with easily over 100 today. Also in the flocks of TVs were a both accipter hawks, and 2 Red-tailed Hawks flew together over my house. In the way of passerines, many migrants slept over here last night because of the rains. I started the morning with many Palm Warblers, Northern Waterthrush, and Common Yellowthroat, Later on in the day, Northern Parula and American Redstart showed up.
A Black-throated Blue male kept showing up to my bird-bath throughout the day, as well as a few buntings, with one being a beautiful Indigo male. Also a Swainson's Thrush came around, giving nice 10 foot views. Yesterday's list was composed of the usual, but Ring-billed Gull numbers are increasing, with 12 yesterday. I was also able to catch migration in action when at dusk a huge flock of Palm Warblers took off he ground, gained elevation, and headed south. I ended the day yesterday with a shrill of a Screech Owl, and a Common Nighthawk. Hopefully I will see one more nighthawk this year, since they are one of my favorite birds. Maybe I will see a Lesser Nighthawk at Eco Pond...