Posted by Kathy Walters on January 31, 2004 at 16:32:26:
I was with the Saturday morning bird walk at Loxahatchee NWR at 730. We saw 51 species just walking around the C-7 impoundment better known as the Marsh Trail.
Interesting species include:
One Dowitcher species feeding next to the mud flats on the north-western quarter that have been created by the draw down of water. There have been reports of up to 3 Dowitchers in the last week.
Other shorebird species included
Least Sandpiper
Greater Yellowlegs
Lesser Yellowlegs
Wilson'sSnipe
One American Wigeon female feeding in the northeastern corner. Look south of the chickee-hut which is in the parking lot. This bird has been seen off and on since Jan 3.
Other duck species include
Blue-winged Teal
Green-winged Teal
Mottled Duck
Smaller birds seen over the last 2 days:
1/31 Blue-headed Vireo in the visitors center (V.C.) parking lot
1/31 Ruby–crowned Kinglet in the visitors center parking lot
1/31 Yellow-rumped Warbler both at the marsh trail and V.C. parking ot
1/31 Palm Warbler at both V.C. parking lot and marsh Trail
1/31 Prairie Warblers (2) in the marshy area between the Marsh Trail Entrance and Exit roads.
1/30 Baltimore Oriole (1st winter male?) This bird had bright yellow-orange undertail coverts and the same color breast with a cream belly and olive head with just a spot of black on the side throat. Black wings, white wing bars, and a bright olive rump. It was seen in the trees on the north side of Lee road ( the entrance Road) just west of the residences. Lee Road isn’t long and ends at the boat ramp. If you get that far without finding the residences you have gone too far. Please respect the privacy of the residence staff. These trees are easily seen from Lee Road. The Baltimore Oriole was with a small group of cardinals in a Cypress at the turn into a gated road. Look for the green chain-link fence surrounding a utility area and you will know you are in the right area. I did not find this bird 1/31, but one was spotted in this same area 1/2/04
The main entrance to Loxahatchee NWR is in Palm Beach County off 441 on Lee road. This entrance is between Boynton Beach Blvd and Atlantic Blvd. There is a $5.00 per car fee to enter unless you have an annual pass or Duck Stamp. Current refuge hours are 6AM to 6:30PM
Smooth-billed Ani have been seen twice in the last week at the Southern end of the refuge past the end of Loxahtchee Road. You have to walk west or south from the boat ramp between 1-2 miles. The birds were seen in both directions according to the report I received. This entrance is 12 miles further south on 441. Then another 6 miles west on Loxahatchee Road.