Posted by Carlos Sanchez on January 01, 1970 at 00:00:00
Phew. Where to begin. Light westerly winds last night coupled with fair weather meant that birds were present but a bit more evenly dispersed across the landscape. Ben Woodard and I hit three nice migrant traps to see what we could turn up in a solid day. Matheson Hammock had an amazing five vireo species today: Red-eyed (6), White-eyed (4), Yellow-throated (5), Philadelphia (3), and Warbling Vireo. Although common throughout most of the US, Warbling Vireo is a very rare migrant in South Florida. We also recorded 13 warbler species, highlighted by a slightly tardy Swainson's and a Magnolia. AD Barnes Park had a Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, two lingering Gray Kingbirds, and Chestnut-sided Warbler out of a total of thirteen warbler species. Kendale Lakes Park added Cape May Warbler and Eastern Wood-Pewee. We recorded a total of 18 warbler species today, with Palm Warblers being the most numerous. However, the distribution of numbers across all migrant species was quite even. No species was very predominant. Elsewhere in the county, others recorded Golden-winged, Bay-breasted, and Blackburnian Warbler, as well as Bell's Vireo. At least 22 species of warbler were around today in Miami-Dade, Florida. Unfortunately, we did not record any Peregrine Falcons -- both Accipiters and Merlins were the raptors dujour. I think Rafael Galvez used up all the PEFA mojo yesterday. Congratulations to the Florida Keys Hawkwatch!