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Posted by Nancy Freedman on 09:07:17 03/18/12
14 birders joined me for an unprecedented day at Wako where Wood Storks were observed nesting for the first time. There were at least 11 pairs building and sitting on nests, bringing in nesting materials and consummating their relationships. And it was interesting that most people, not just birders, noticed this new phenomenon. But let me start from the beginning.
John Boyd and I arrived just before sunrise to flocks of Black-bellied Whistling Ducks flying west. Wako itself was a show of High Breeding Plumage like I have never seen. The nests of Great Egrets and Snowy Egrets were overflowing with beautiful white plumes; the Tri-Colored Herons sported bright blue bills and white tassels on their heads. Even the Cattle Egrets were very handsome. We had very close up looks at a lone Black-necked Stilt; when looking at his face it appears his forehead was indented, never seen one that close. Egyptian geese made their presence known, we saw at least five. Marsh rabbits are on the increase with a count of at least a dozen. In the back area we had four very cooperative Soras, two in the water beneath us and two actually out on the banks feeding (and there were more that were not as cooperative). Then came the Wood Stork rookery mentioned above. On the way out we had 3 Purple Gallinules, two males apparently fighting over a female. There were no Neotropical Cormorants, John checked four times. And last, but not least at Wako, Monk Parakeets are building a nest on a tall light pole just before the entrance on Jog Road.
Green Cay had Painted Buntings at the front feeders and an Ovenbird, along with White-winged and Mourning Doves as well as a singing Prairie Warbler. Inside was a Limpkin with Rough-winged Swallows flying overhead. We happened upon a Peninsula Ribbon Snake on the back boardwalk which we identified thanks to Paulette's photo and snake book. A female Northern Harrier sat in the tall grass next to the water apparently surveying lunch options. There were a smattering of Blue-winged Teal, all in pairs. We had very good looks at a Least Bittern as well. In the Cypress area, we came upon a young Coopers Hawk sitting on a grackle, don't know which one (either is fine by me). So many people gathered, it finally took its kill and flew off.
We ended at 12:30. Next year I am setting up another visit to the raptor center at Okeeheelee, it could not be accomplished this year.
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