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Posted by Paddy Cunningham on 17:39:59 05/06/05
Total 130 species
Be careful what you wish for, in that we were hoping for a fallout and got gale force winds instead. The storm off the coast brought in a rare Brown Booby. According to Lynn (keeper of the Ft. D birds) one has not been seen in 30 plus years. It was later photographed as it rested in a tree. The storms also brought in a flock of Gannets seen off shore.
A shy Whimbrel was found at low tide in the marsh grasses in the tidal area off north parking area.
A rare Bay-breasted Warbler was seen with a small flock of warblers (Blackpoll, Parula) at the #6 restroom. It wasn't the beautiful male that they had been seen the day before, but we took it. It was a Florida first for me. A Chestnut-sided was spotted in the first large Oak on the right past the entrance in Arrowhead. Tennesee still at Mulberry tree, also Yellow Warbler, Prothon., N. Waterthrush at north picnic area. 17 warblers species in all.
It was the weekend for the Thrushes. They were everywhere, maybe 40 or more. Everyone was an expert by the time we left in that we all had excellent looks at the differences between Gray-cheeked and Swainson's. Also seen was Veery and Wood Thrush.
Dicksissel was seen in the grass past the chain at the end of the loop road in north picnic area. We saw 3 total. Also loads of Indigo Buntings everywhere. The usuals (if you can call them usual) Scarlet & Summer Tanager, Orchard & Baltimore Orioles and Evening Grosbeak at Mulberry Tree.
Celery Fields (Fruitville Road-Sarasota) 400 plus Boblinks in the area south of the pavillion in the west ragweed fields. Make sure you go south on the road off the main road past the pavillion.
Oh a Mangrove Cuckoo was heard calling from the mangroves at the Dump. We got chased away by the Ranger and was not able to locate him.
Good Time had by all and many life birds
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