Posted by Bill Boeringer on June 17, 2002 at 10:47:47:
Father’s Day was a good day to get out for my annual breeding bird trip to Big Cypress/Loop Road. On the way across SR41 notables were 2 King Rails along the south side of the road, a “Great White” Heron in the canal, and a couple of Snail Kites in the usual spot west of Shark Valley. There were 100s of Purple Martins along wires, far more than I’ve ever seen along the road before.
I entered Loop Rd from the west side. Most of Loop Rd was fairly quiet, but as usual the best area was the southwesternmost cypress area (Sweetwater Slough). Water levels appeared normal, and the best surprise was that mosquitos were not bad at all and easily handled with a little Off.
In addition to the usual easily-found breeders in the area (Cardinal, Great Crested Flycatcher, White-eyed Vireo, Downy, Red-bellied & Pileated Woodpeckers, Carolina Wren, Tufted Titmouse), there was a Limpkin in the branches over the slough, at least 4 singing Northern Parulas, several Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, and a calling Barred Owl.
Unfortunately, I could not locate Prothonotary Warbler anywhere, but did see a Red-eyed Vireo carrying what appeared to be an insect from tree to tree. This is the third summer in a row I have seen Red-eyed Vireo at this location, and the food-carrying may indicate successful breeding here.
A real surprise was when I heard an odd, somewhat trumpeting call from an unseen bird (or birds) approaching in flight from the south; when it cleared the trees there were a pair of Wood Ducks that flew directly overhead! About 5 minutes later, they were followed by another female heard & seen flying in the same direction–3 Wood Ducks in a day sets my new personal record in SoFla!
A brief rain came up, and I headed home to celebrate Father’s Day, where I was regaled with gifts, the finest meats and cheeses, and the day’s libation of choice--a cold honey lager. Life is....well, you know!