[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ TAS BirdBoard ] [ FAQ ]
Posted by Angel & Mariel on 19:05:07 08/02/12
In Reply to: Short-tailed Hawk and shorebirds posted by Robin Diaz
We can add a few sightings to your post. During the last two weeks we have seen an increase in migrant activity around Key Biscayne, both incoming and outgoing. Looks like Nighthawks have left the Key, now we await Chucks to arrive. Least Terns have been congregating on Crandon Beach, the largest group we have observed to date was a 200+ tern flock. Sanderlings and Gulls have been showing up on the beach along with small groups of peeps. A Common Tern was resting along with a Sandwich, Least, and Royal Tern on the Sunday 7/22. The same day two tropical terns were pushed in by incoming storms, most likely Bridled Terns but were still out too far to be certain. While taking refuge in one of the lifeguard stands we also spotted 3 Shearwaters, one close enough to see a yellow bill, Cory's Shearwater!
Yesterday afternoon we saw both banded Piping Plovers at Crandon Beach as well as a Semipalmated Sandpiper along with the Gulls, Terns and Cormorants. Reddish Egrets have been regular at different locations around Virginia Key and both Cape FL and Crandon Beach. We have been coming across a white morph and a juvenile which is still in a gray plumage. We spotted this bird a week ago and watched it for an hour or so while it worked a small flat. The bird seems to be replacing some of its gray feathers with cleaner, whiter feathers, it may molt into a fresh white plumage by winter?!
At Cape FL we have been seeing an increase of Prairie and B & W Warblers, Northern Parulas, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers and a few Louisiana Waterthrush as well as Barn and Cliff Swallows. The Great Cormorant has been gone since late June. A sand bar has been developing for years behind the lighthouse and last weekend is the first time we have seen it fully exposed, with gulls and pelicans resting on the sand. It may be worth a check during shorebird migration, it looks like a great spot to pick up a Marbled Godwit or Whimbrel!
Migration Rocks,
Angel & Mariel
[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ TAS BirdBoard ] [ FAQ ]