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Posted by Paul Bithorn on 13:15:08 11/13/11
Thirteen birders participated in Tropical Audubon Society's annual fall field trip to Shark Valley and Loop Road on Saturday, November 12, 2011. The weather was cool with temperatures ranging from the low 60 s to the high 70 s with low humidity, high blue skies and a nice breeze.
Fifty-five species were seen with nine (9) species of warblers seen including Orange-crowned, Northern Parula, Yellow-rumped, Prairie, Palm, Black & White, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart and a stunning male Black-throated Green Warbler.
Several birders took me up on my offer to meet me early at the S-334 South Florida Water Management District structure just west of the Miccosukee Casino on the Tamiami Trail at 6:30 a.m. Highlights were two Snail Kites and a Ruby-throated Hummingbird nectaring on the flowers of Alligator Flag.
Our next stop was Water Control Structure S-333 in Area 3B, the Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area, down to the airboat launching area. Two Marsh Wrens posing out in the open and a Purple Gallinule spotted across the canal were a treat for the early birders.
We met the rest of the group at the abandoned airboat concession and entered Shark Valley, where high water limited the amount of birds seen along the paved path, but a Limpkin, Snail Kite and several species of passerine made the stop worthwhile.
The tree canopy in the Pinecrest area of Loop Road was quiet but a few mixed flocks included Northern Parula, Black and White Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler and White-eyed Vireo. A Red-tailed Hawk and a Savannah Sparrow spotted near the cell tower were other highlights.
A Short-tailed Hawk was spotted on the drive out as we headed for home. A tasty Lion Stout from Sri Lanka was hoisted as the celebratory libation. Life is good .
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