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Posted by Steve Collins on 16:59:57 08/12/05
White-crowned Pigeon
On 8/9 a flock of about a dozen were in the tropical hardwood hammock along Wild Tamarind Trail at John Pennekamp St. Park in Key Largo. On 8/10 there were several birds at the Annex outside of ENP - toward the end of the road. A few birds were also flying over the marsh between the woods at Gumbo Limbo/Anhinga Trail and the woods at the park entrance. Lots of fruiting poisonwood around.
Upland Sandpiper
8/10 I saw 4 of these absolutely stunning shorebirds just outside ENP where they've been reported. The fields south of SW 392nd St. to the west of 217th Ave. These birds were within 30 feet of the main road on the second field west of 217th, then flew a little further back. I also scoped a couple other shorebirds 3 fields to the south that fit the Upland Sandpiper description, but I can't be sure. Other shorebirds were far back as well, so there easily could have been more Uplands around.
Yellow-chevroned Parakeet
8/10 A noisy flock of at least 20 birds at Fairchild Tropical Gardens in Miami. I didn't see any White-winged with them.
Hill Myna
8/10 A flock of about a dozen also at Fairchild Tropical Gardens
Purple Swampmonster
8/10 Great looks at two Purple Swamphens from the boardwalk at the SW Regional Library stormwater pond/wetland along Sheridan St in Pembroke Pines. Adult and juvenile Purple Gallinules were also present, in addition to two Least Bitterns.
Mangrove Cuckoo
8/11 I had great looks at a juvenile bird along Catclaw trail at Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve south of Naples. It was squabbling with a Blue Jay.
Rose-ringed Parakeet
8/11 A flock of at least 50 birds (bare minimum) were at Lowdermilk Park in Naples. Most were feeding on the fruiting Sea Grapes in the middle of the parking lot - the two trees were covered with birds. Others fed on the fruiting Palms. As Vince Lucas said, most of the birds were females/juveniles so it seems they're breeding rather well. The flock was feeding at 6pm, but when I checked again at 8:20, they were gone. Also at 6pm, three (what appeared to be) Mitred Parakeets flew over the park.
On 8/10 I checked Research Rd in Everglades National Park for the
White-tailed Kites at 10:30am but came up empty handed. Maybe they're easier to find later in the day as when Bryan Roberts saw them. At the end of the road, the multitudes of deer and horse flies bouncing off my car sounded like a rainstorm. Mosquitos were the worst I've ever encountered in the shady spots (I made the mistake of running through Gumbo Limbo trail). I wonder how often tropical strays might go overlooked in late summer because the trails are unfit for humans. Also, I saw several Nighthawks flying over Long Pine Key though none
were calling so I couldn't pick out the Antillian. Lots of Common Mynas at Florida City - most seemed to prefer the Hampton Inn parking lot.
Can't wait to go back ; )
Cheers,
Steve Collins
Gainesville, FL
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