Posted by Paul on March 30, 2004 at 13:59:51:
As of Sunday, Great Blue Heron nest #1 (north walk) had three sub-adult fledglings in good health, robust, noisy. Nest #2, which is about 15 feet away has two chicks, somewhat smaller. Nest #3 which is on the tall tower NORTH of the walkway (note I said north as this is a new site)is under construction. Nest #4, which is on the south side of the walk ways is now empty. The two chicks from there were in the small pond apple island and following mom around whereever she flew. I imagine the high winds of last week launched these two since their nest was the highest one at Wakodahatchee (Est about 55 feet high). They were extremely raucous and fighting each other for whatever reasons.
Anhinga nests are all doing well and the babies are turning from white to brown/black. Most of the chickes are moving around the tree and branches.
A noticeable absence of warblers. The worst display I have seen in four years. Coot numbers are down, moorhens are down and blue-winged teal are also lower in numbers. Two pair of green-winged teal were present. Black necked stilts were pairing, and in good numbers. About 15 all of the place. A few killdeer were present. Royal terns were very scare also. My records show a greater number last year this time. The solitary brown pelican left. Tri-color, common egrets were in usual number. One mottled duck had ten ducklings which she arrogantly paddled in front of a hawk with no concern.
All in all; pretty dull were it not for the GBH nests.