Posted by Bryant Roberts on February 07, 2002 at 22:50:37:
In Reply to: Slightly birdier at Baggs posted by Robin Diaz on February 03, 2002 at 10:08:36:
: There was a slight increase in bird activity today at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. In addition to the 4 winter warbler species, there were Orange-crowned, American Redstart and Northern Parulas. Perhaps it's just wishful thinking, but the skulkers seemed more visible, the gnatcatchers chattered louder with more pizazz, the White-eyed Vireos sang longer and the House Wrens took bully-like stances at the top of shrubs. Most encouraging was the fact that the 3 parulas were brightly-colored males. [Last year on 2/6 there were 7 males seen, along with 2 Orange-Crowneds.] Generally, everyone seemed more feisty than usual.
: There were also Blue-headed Vireo, Painted Bunting, Eastern Phoebe, White-winged Dove and a Great Crested Flycatcher much paler than the wintering bird, with a 99% dark bill. One immature Broad-winged Hawk is still around and a Cooper's Hawk was seen just past the entrance to the park.
Your mention of the male Northern Parula's caught my attention. One of the early spring birding events in the Gainesville Florida area is the February arrival of singing Northern Parula's after a long winter's absence. I've heard one singing this weed near Flamingo, but no other indication of movement through the area. I'd like to get some information about their February movement through South Florida.