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Posted by Paul-the-other on 16:15:15 12/28/05
It was a mixed birding, photographing, and visiting trip to the Everglades National Park on Tuesday and Wednesday.
We arrived at 10:30 Tuesday morning to find Anhinga trail crowded and exceptionally noisy. Most of the noise and rude conduct came from the Norte Americanos and what made it really embarassing was the large number of very polite, quiet, and respectful Japanese. One of the ruder people (anglos) actually came and sat on the fence over which we were tracking and photographing a Yellowthroat (Common). They wanted a picture of each other with us in the background with our equipment. Their audacity left us speechless.
Not much going at Anhinga. In total we saw one green back, three gallinules, one mockingbird, and many cormorants and anhingas. The favorite perching tree of the anhingas that covered the asphalt trail was badly damaged and cut back severely so no more worries about those birds dropping surprises on your head.
We moved on to Flamingo and saw in total about 25 egrets, ibis, and herons. It was difficult to remember such a quiet time. The day was cool (about 65 at noon) and still. But water was still high.
Flamingo was a great sadness. No travel past the old gas station (now propane storage). The mahogany trees were de-branched, the figs also. Some trees were ripped from the ground. The house boats were damaged and no on land showing the abuse they took. Water marks show that at least 6 feet of water washed through the bait shop, gift store, Buttonwood lodge, cabins, hotel and trailer camps. The ground vines are all dead (matis?) and dust is everywhere. As you walk it swirls beneath your feet. The dried mud that was left all over.
We walked Snake Bight and saw one, one, white ibis. Heard two palm warblers, and everything else was deathly still. The trail is open but trees are down on both sides and those still standing are stripped of leaves. Of special note: most all of the epiphytic orchids visible were dead from wind blast or dehydration and sun scorching. Boothiana, tampensis, and polystachia were seen sporadically, most dead or dying, but three clumps on the back side of trees doing well. The exotic oeceoclatis immaculata (little help there Roger Hammer?) were all dead at the entrance to the trail but by a half mile more live ones were see.
Paurotis pond was active with Roseattes, many common egrets and the noise coming from the island suggests that nesting is under way with the cormorants and anhingas. The bush line was active with blue-grey gnatcatchers. No sight of the vermillion flycatcher.
The trip out was as birdless as coming in but we hoped for better luck on Wednesday.
See part two
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