Posted by Bryant Roberts on March 21, 2004 at 20:43:40:
I got over to southwest Florida this weekend, birding the usual spots and camping at Collier-Seminole State Park. The first pleasant surprise was a flock of about 9 Cedar Waxwings in a Strangler Fig over the boardwalk at Cypress Bend. The Bald Eagles were active on and around the nest and there were also a couple of Red-eyed Vireos singing from the treetops. The Bronzed Cowbirds were at Eagle Lakes Park making lots of noise but staying well hidden in the willows. The most unexpected birds at Tigertail Beach were 5 Least Terns and an American Avocet in nearly alternate plumage. There were also about 8 Snowy Plovers, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 2 American Oystercatchers, and a Peregrine. At Collier-Seminole State Park the Chuck-will's-widows were calling before dawn and a White-crowned Pigeon flew over later in the morning.