Posted by Bryant Roberts on May 15, 2004 at 20:55:04:
Purple Swamphens were the most numerous of the Gruiformes in the Water Conservation Area
west of Markham Park this morning (Sat. 5/14). I saw nineteen of them
there this morning four of which were half grown juveniles, compared to
five Common Moorhens, four Purple Gallinules (one adult and three
fledglings), two American Coots, and one Limpkin. With the very large
area of Spikerush and the Swamphens ability to keep out of sight there
could easily be many more out there. There were also at least ten Snail
Kites in the same area including two juveniles. Some of the adults were
carrying food to the Cattail area on the south side of the WCA where they
appear to be nesting. The water level is dropping and waders are showing
up in greater numbers, there were about sixty Great Egrets and lesser
numbers of Great Blue Herons, Little Blue Herons, and Wood Storks mostly
about half a mile north of the levee access where the marsh is starting to
dry out. In past years the southeast corner of this WCA has had large
numbers of waders near the end of the dry season. The only migrant seen
there this morning was a lone Barn Swallow.
Markham Park is on the north side of the intersection of SR 84 and Weston Road. There is an entrance fee on weekends and holidays.