Posted by Jim Duquesnel on May 14, 2004 at 08:47:51:
In Reply to: Re: Bahama mockingbird posted by Brian Rapoza on May 13, 2004 at 16:46:24:
Sure, Brian. Pennekamp's service road, and entire land base/day use area, is open to pedestrians. It is the first right after you pass through the park entrance / ranger station, and is marked "service vehicles only." Those seeking this bird should drive just beyond the service road to leave your vehicle(s) in the main parking areas. Though haven't had time to check this year, this has also been one of the most reliable locations to see black-whiskered vireos, which call from high in the canopy alongside the road.
While you are in the area, check for shiny cowbirds photograped last week at Gulfstream Shores subdivision, just two miles up CR-905. A small group was seen last week, in the mowed and oldfield areas just east of the (FKEC) Electric Co-op's concrete power pole #228. Many but not all of the vacant lots in that subdivision are managed by Dagny Johnson Key largo Hammock Botanical State Park, but please be aware of resentment by some homeowners over a percieved loss of privacy whenever groups of binocular and camera wielding birders start peering about. Keep a respectful distance from residences, and when watching birds, try to position yourself so that it does not appear that you are staring at a someone's home.
RE: James,for the benefit of the many birders who would like to see this bird, could you let us know if the service road in Pennekamp State Park where the bird was seen is off limits to the public? If not, directions, please.
: : Today, Park Ranger Nancy Yawt reported an extended observation and interaction with a Bahama mockingbird on the park administration building's service road. The bird actually approached the ranger, allowing ample opportunity for a solid identification.
: : This is exact the same location this species was observed at several years ago (found by me and confirmed by Wayne Hoffman of National Audubon Society's Tavernier Research Center. That bird lingered in low shrubbery around the park administration building and boat trailer parking area for approximately one week, singing a quiet "sub-song." It then moved toward the highway to loiter behind the mile marker 102.4 Circle K convenience store for at least another week. It has not been seen here since, and we are wondering if this is perhaps the same bird.