Posted by John Wilson on February 24, 2004 at 07:21:08:
Hi birders,
Have just returned to UK [Wales] from a 10 day trip to FLA. Thanks to this Bird Board we found the Vermillion Flycatcher [WHAT A STUNNING BIRD!!], and also Lucky Hammock [thanks to Larry Manfredi and Bill Pranty for directions]. We only had 2.5 days in Homestead having spent the rest based at Ft Myers. In your area of interest we had a TV over 9336 near ENP which caused us to screech to a halt - it had completley white primaries on both wings - wondered what on earth it was at first - anyone else seen this bird?. No hummers in Mary Krome park but we did find an Ovenbird there on the last morning, which was a bonus. Overall a great trip with a total of 140 species. Highlights were Swallow tailed Kite, Summer Tanager, and Painted Bunt at Corkscrew, Snail Kites just W of Mickosukee on the Tamiami, roadside Caracaras at S Lake Ockeechobee, very confiding waders on the Gulf coast [why is this? - they fly away at home :-(], Limpkin feeding chicks at Lozahatchee, and an incredibly confiding Mangrove Cuckoo [got some video] in the single line of Mangrove trees along Black Point jetty, and too may others to mention. Great place to bird in Feb when its cold at home :-)
Good birding
John