Posted by Dennis J. Olle on May 27, 2002 at 14:48:26:
On 5-26-02, while searching for the Miami Blue butterfly, David Lysinger and I, along with Alana Edwards and her "significant other" Kirk, encountered a Key West Quail-Dove (@ 11:15 AM)and heard a La Sagra's Flycather (@ 2:30PM) both on Elliott Key (BNP.)
The Quail-Dove was seen for @ five minutes along the nothern stretch of the "Spite Road"; directions: go north on the spite road/hiking trail at least 2km. from its intersection with the northern "leg" of the circular trail at the Elliot Key Harbor (see Park map), pass through a wet area that is an relatively open buttonwood forest, continue north (through the hardwood hammock), the exact location is marked with (1)a pink tape (note there are several of these "locators" left elsewhere along this path by the park service?) AND (2)white crabbox floats stuck in trees on either side of the trail. The Quail-Dove is in full regalia (male?) and was approachable (to within 15 meters); it was steadily ambling way from us in the ocean-side of the trail, but in no great hurry.
The La Sagra's Flycatcher was initailly heard by DL @ 50+/-m. east of the previously-mentioned intersection (northern leg of the spite road and the upper leg of the circular trail from the EK harbor) near a park explanatory trail sign re Insects. The bird was repeatedly calling (in the presence of a calling White-eyed Vireo) using its towhee-like call. We did not see the bird.
As an added bonus we saw @ 8-10 Schaus' Swallowtails: the closest one 30m +/- eastof the La Sagra's location (@ Noon); most were seen between 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm along the southern leg of the spite road/hiking trail (@ 5-6kmsouth of intersection with lower leg of the aforemetioned circular trail but before the major wet area).Note there are several muddy areas along this southern stretch but you will know the wet area when you get to it. DJO