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Posted by Judd Patterson on 00:11:22 12/18/11
The Dry Tortugas National Park CBC was held last week on Wed. December 14th. Seven excited birders hit the park and scoured Garden, Bush, Long, and Loggerhead Keys on foot. Hospital Key and a transit of the park were done by boat. I don't have the official list, but there are some notes:
In the 15-20 knot winds it was difficult to get good looks at some of the birds. A Worm-eating Warbler chipped from a stand of buttonwood for nearly an hour on the count day before it was finally seen and photographed. Other new birds for this relatively young count included Northern Rough-winged Swallow and American Coot (1 alive and 2 dead).
A lone Whimbrel was a definite treat. Raptors included 2 American Kestrel, 2 Peregrine Falcon, Cooper's Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, and Northern Harrier.
Masked Booby, Brown Booby, and Magnificent Frigatebird were abundant, and Sooty Tern were once again heard at night as they called over their nesting island of Bush Key.
One Cattle Egret was seen the evening before the count, but it did not survive the night.
Warblers were low in number and diversity. Palm Warbler dominated, followed by Yellow-rumped, and single Orange-crowned, Prairie, and Worm-eating Warblers.
All in all a tremendously fun time was had by the group. You just never know what you might kick up on the Dry Tortugas CBC! Thanks to Sonny Bass for organizing and for the support by all of the wonderful Dry Tortugas staff.
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