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Posted by Brian Rapoza on 16:54:31 10/21/12
This morning, I found a male Orange Bishop at the C-357 sparrow fields. This species, native to sub-Saharan Africa, is reported occasionally in Florida; all are assumed to be introduced. This is the first male that I've seen; it's a most remarkable and unmistakable bird. I saw it in the brushy area between the berm and the cell tower at the entrance to the property. Directions to the sparrow fields are below.
There were a good number of raptors present, including White-tailed Kite, Bald Eagle (adult), Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawk, American Kestrel and many Northern Harrier. The many wet areas attracted large flocks of waders including Great and Snowy Egret, Great Blue, Little Blue, Tricolored and Green Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron and Limpkin. The only shorebirds seen were Killdeer and Wilson's Snipe. The only sparrow seen was Savannah.
Afterwards, I stopped at Castellow Hammock Park, where I found at least one Rufous Hummingbird near the picnic shelter. This afternoon, I visited Matheson Hammock Park and enjoyed stunning views of my first Red-Headed Woodpecker for Miami-Dade. Thanks, Brigitte, for reporting this bird!
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