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Posted by Paul-the-other on 16:39:43 05/01/05
Wakodahatchee, today, featured the hatching of the first of four black-necked stilt chicks. It was an auspicious occasion recorded by a large group of birders and photographers. The parents are still vigilant in protecting the nest from marauding ducks, herons, crows, and blackbirds.
The downey woodpecker chicks have also hatched and the parents visit the nest every 10-15 minutes with insects. Both of these locations at Wakodahatchee are receiving favorable and respectful monitoring. It is quite a sight to see so many people so excited about the hatching of baby birds and the care and feeding by the parents.
Also at Wakodahatchee is the usual, but this year limited display of baby moorhens, coots and gallinules. The frustrated Great Blue that couldn't keep a nest together on the 50 foot pole has dropped down to a tree island and is starting again at about 4 feet from water level. Two other nests are also active on the north side of Wako.
Green Cay is much quieter. There are still numerous black necked stilts but no one can find any nests. Territorial fighting is apparent but no nesting activity. The mottled duck babies are self sustaining now and three separate groups were monitored. Individual herons, egrets,and ibis are coming to Green Cay and food supply seems capable of holding them. A bobcat was sighted and verified last week. Hard to believe in West Palm Beach but Green Cay is just recently emerged from woods and is very close to some dense areas. And bobcats are resourceful.
Redstarts and common yellowthroats are the most frequent warbler sightings. And the numbers are now few and far between.
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