Posted by Jeff Weber on March 09, 2004 at 08:14:08:
In Reply to: coral gables birding spots posted by beth on March 08, 2004 at 23:57:14:
Beth:
I suggest you take them to the Shark Valley section of Everglades National Park for Florida specialties (Purple Gallinule, Snail Kite, Limpkin, plus all the egrets & herons, possible bitterns, rails). If you want to stick closer to the Gables, go to Matheson Hammock for warblers, Hill Myna, parrots. Also close is A. D. Barnes Park (72nd Ave. & Bird Rd.), which is good for wintering warblers. For other specialties, look at the Bird Finding FAQ section of the Tropical Audubon Website.
Try the residential neighborhood immediately across Kendall Dr. from Baptist Hospital, around 8:00 a.m., for Spot-Breasted Oriole, Monk Parakeet and Red-Whiskered Bulbul.
There is a readily observed male Vermilion Flycatcher just outside the Homestead entrance to Everglades Nat. Park; e-mail me if you want instructions. Of course, Anhinga Trail just inside the park is good for nesting Anhingas, Wood Storks, etc., plus there was a Red-Legged Honeycreeper sighted there a few weeks ago (see my post on this site). Good luck.
JW
: My parents are avid birders from Pennsylvania.
: They're coming for a visit soon. I'd appreciate any helpful hints on places to take them to add some new Florida birds to their list.
: Thanks a lot!
: Beth