Posted by Vince on January 02, 2004 at 14:24:31:
All:
Yesterday, along with Arthur and Anne Wilson of Naples, we birded select areas of south Florida including Everglades National Park to start off the 2004 state list. Here are the highlights of the 77 or so species seen:
Cape May Warbler (x1) -- in Mahogany trees in the parking lot at Flamingo Visitor's Center.
Vermilion Flycatcher (x1 male) -- South Dade Greenway Trail just outside of E.N.P. where this bird has been since the third week in October.
Lesser Nighthawk (x1) -- briefly seen at Eco Pond, E.N.P. at dusk. Other birders (including Ron Smith) told me they had four or more LENI on 12/31/03.
Northern Pintail (x2) -- Mrazek Pond in E.N.P. a few female Northern Shovelers also seen along with many Blu and Green-winged Teal.
Snail Kite (x6) -- old abandoned airboat ride on Tamiami Trail near Everglades Tower Inn.
Purple Gallinule (x1) -- Eco Pond, E.N.P.
Barred Owl (x1) -- heard only along Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk in Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve, Collier County.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (x2) -- Pinecrest (Miami-Dade County). No Rufous Hummingbird seen at same location.
Painted Bunting (x2) -- across Tamiami Trail from Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk in Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve, Collier County.
Swamp Sparrow (x1) -- across Tamiami Trail from Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk in Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve, Collier County.
Plus all of the other "usual suspects."
Good birding!
Vincent Lucas
Naples