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Posted by Alex Harper on 08:55:46 11/21/04
In Reply to: Another Lower Keys RFI posted by Ben Jesup
I have only been to Key West once (last June) and don't know that much about birding there. However, Indigenous Park is a must. Recently, the Cuban Race of Western Spindalis was seen there, and Bahamas Mockingbirds show up there almost annualy. The small beach near it may have a few good larids and shorebirds, including Red Knots.
I cannot remember the name that well, but I think it is Fort Zachary Taylor State Recreation. Anyways, it is located at the southern part of the island, and the fields in the park may have the west Indian race of Short-eared Owl, and maybe a few sparrows. You may spot a few interesting passerines in the park that decided not to travel any farther south. The airport on the east (?) side of the key may be worth checking out. A few shorebirds will be around, maybe some ducks, and it is possible for a Western Kingbird or a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher to be perched along the perimeter fence, even though the later have not been reported. Search for Clapper Rails there in the early morning. Another C Rail spot exists in the area of Key West (I think one or two keys away). The directions were given by Juan Vilamil in late August: "Also, a belated Rail spot in the Keys- several months ago I found a dead Clapper Rail on the road adjacent to a nice pond on Geiger Key. It is on the West side of the road as you turn South off US1 on your way to the oceanside Geiger Key pub." I guess to find the directions to this spot, you will have to search the internet for "Geiger Pub", or search the phone books when you get to Key West. Stock Island, the key just north of Key West, has a gulf course with a few freshwater ponds. I don't know how easily the ponds can be viwed, but Muscovies can be seen from the road. I'm sure a few native ducks can be seen in the ponds as well, such as Blue-winged Teals or a shoveler, but that may be a little later in the season. If you want any shot of finding a Masked Duck or WC Pintail (which I know you do), these ponds would be the place to look.
A Thick-billed Vireo was seen last October at a spot in the middle keys, It would be worth checking this spot out. Good directions are given on this board, so just scroll down until you get to where all the posts on the vireo are. Lark Sparrows may also be seen where the vireo was seen.
Good luck!
Alex Harper
Miami Shores
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