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Posted by Jeannie Konicki on 20:17:31 06/05/04
In Reply to: Mangrove Cuckoo and Antillean Nighthawk, Key Largo 5/30 posted by Rock Jetty
: Yesterday, my fiancee, Robin, and I drove down to Key Largo for some fun in the sun and, of course, a little birding. We stopped first at Key Largo Hammock (Dagny Johnson Botanical) State Park where Mangrove Cuckoos were still calling in the late morning. A week earlier my friend and co-worker Albert "Snail Kite" Gonzalez spotted one of the cuckoos out in the open...and calling! I have only heard these birds before, on six different occasions without ever seeing one. Yesterday I finally saw my MANGROVE CUCKOO, at approx. noon and after about 45 minutes of tracking it as it called. There was quite possibly a second one in the area. The cuckoos are consistently being seen and heard on the north side of the pagoda. Also seen/heard were Black-whiskered Vireo, White-eyed Vireo, and Yellow-billed Cuckoo (heard only). Next, we went to John Pennecamp State Park, only to be told it was closed due to incredible amounts of people inside. The ranger asked us to come back later. We decided we would go for a swim somewhere else. After a really good dinner at Ballyhoo's, we started to head back home but first we stopped at the Key Largo Shopper, where, at exactly 8:05 pm, an ANTILLEAN NIGHTHAWK made an appearance directly over the parking lot and called (thankfully) confirming the ID. Fortunately a clear and beautiful sunset provided enough light to allow great looks at the bird. Not a bad day at all.
: Oddly enough there were no ravens around.
:
: Cheers,
: RJ
We are Ocala birders. Is the turnoff for this park well marked? Can you please share the area of the park where you heard and saw the mangrove cuckoos? Thank you.
Jeannie Konicki
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