Posted by Larry Manfredi on December 12, 2000 at 12:45:38:
I found two juvenile blue morph Snow Geese at the new wetlands area
south of Chekika Recreation Area. These were seen at about 10 a.m.
Listed below were other birds present.
Woodstork
Great Egret
Snowy Egret
Cattle Egret
Great Blue Heron
Tricolored Heron
Little Blue Heron
Cattle Egret
Roseate Spoonbill
Glossy Ibis
White Ibis
Snail Kite
Osprey
Red-shouldered Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Both Vultures
American Coot
Moorhen
American Widgeon, there were more ducks. I did not have a scope.
Double-crested Cormorant
Anhinga
I was told that the water level in this area will be controlled to
simulate the wet and dry seasons. The water that has been pumped into
this area will be allowed to slowly diminish for the winter months.
This will create different water levels for different species. The
water was much higher a month ago, at least 11 or more species of duck
were seen then. Now the water level has gone down and there are many
more wading birds. I saw hundreds of waders today, with many more
arriving as I was standing there. It is a very nice area to check out,
bring a scope. The lighting is better in the morning.
Directions: Chekika is about 15 miles north of Homestead. Go west on
s.w. 168 st. from Krome ave. (s.w. 177 ave.) follow the signs for
Chekika. Go about 6 miles to a T- intersection, turn left here and go
about 5 miles or so until you can only make a left on the paved section
of road. Go east on this road for about 1 mile and make a right turn on
s.w. 232 ave. Go another mile or so until you see the wetlands area on
the right or west side of the road. Park here and scope the area.
Larry Manfredi
Homestead, Fl.
E-mail: birderlm@bellsouth.net
http://www.southfloridabirding.com