Posted by Larry Manfredi on June 19, 2002 at 11:38:22:
This morning at Dump Marsh I saw 20 White Pelicans, many of these were
immature birds. Post breeding dispersal? An immature Reddish Egret was
present as well as some Black-necked Stilts. At Lucky Hammock we have
had a young male Dickcissel singing his heart out for at least 2 and a
half months. I don't think that there has ever been a record of one at
this time of year, at least not in Miami-Dade county. I know that
Zellwood had some that breed, it is possible that this bird has a mate.
I briefly looked to see if there was a nest or another bird, but did not
find one. It is defending a territory against Red-winged Blackbirds and
anything else that comes near. I made recordings of the song and was
able to get some photographs. This area should be a real hot spot this
fall and winter, the farm fields have not been plowed. Weed seeds will
be plentiful for seed eating birds.
The Dickcissel sings from the phone wire and the top of weeds just south
of Lucky Hammock. I see it mostly near the fourth telephone pole, just
south of the dirt road going down the south side of the Hammock.
Larry Manfredi
Homestead, Fl.
E-mail: birderlm@bellsouth.net
http://www.southfloridabirding.com