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Posted by Nancy Freedman on 13:55:10 03/29/14
21 birders joined me on a cloudy windy day - but no rain! On arrival at Wakodahatchee, flocks and flocks of Black-bellied Whistling Ducks were flying overhead. It took us almost 45 minutes to get to the first gazebo as there was so much to see. At the entrance, Green Herons were nesting. For the first time, the "trees" in the water on the north side of the boardwalk were loaded with nesting Great Egrets. Glossy Ibis were in the process of building nests as well, very close to the boardwalk. Purple Gallinules were abundant. A Least Bittern flew under the boardwalk and landed in some alligator flag and began calling. John Hutchison called it out with a tape and everyone got good looks. There was a Sora out in the open; Brown Pelicans flying over and 3 large flocks of Cedar Waxwings were flying around. And we're just now getting to the first gazebo. At the nesting area by the first gazebo were the usual Great Blue Herons, DC Cormorants (no Neotropicals seen), nesting Cattle Egrets and Tri-Colors. Woodstorks were also standing up high on the island. As for ducks, there were a few Blue-Winged Teal (mostly drakes) and Mottled Ducks. We also found a Solitary Sandpiper. Black-necked Stilts were widely scattered throughout. The two islands in the back that had been overgrown with vines had been cleared and Woodstorks were again nesting there along with some Anhingas. We had one Purple Swamphen and three Least Terns. It was very interesting to see two pair of Common Gallinule squaring off in a belly fight, lifting their wings and holding their white tail feathers up high and puffed out. I assume this was territorial because after a few minutes, the two pair went their separate ways. On our way out, we also had the good fortune to see 4 very young Common Gallinules being fed by their mother with their little red "rotor" wings spinning.
Green Cay was very quiet in comparison. Hootie the screech owl who used to be at Okeeheelee is now in the nature center at Green Cay, but not today. They said he had to work tonight. Apparently, his real name is Oliver. Purple Martins were flying about and occupying the Martin houses. We saw one Limpkin on the boardwalk railing and heard others. At one point, 7 Black-crowned Night Herons were spooked and were flying around. I was told there was a Red-shouldered Hawk in that area. They got spooked twice, I never saw the hawk. Catbirds were singing and gathering together for migration. Tree and Rough-winged Swallows were sailing around as well. There were only a few Black-bellied Whistling Ducks at Green Cay. We had the pleasure of seeing both male and female Painted Buntings as well as a Ruby-throated Hummingbird.
At our tailgate luncheon in the Green Cay parking lot, we added a Pine Warbler. That made 4 warblers for the day; the other three being Palm, Myrtle and Common Yellowthroat.
The walk ended at approximately 12 noon. Good day - enjoyed by all!
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