Posted by Robin Diaz on December 15, 2015 at 17:28:20
In spite of extreme high water currently flooding much of Everglades National Park, the count team made an extraordinary effort yesterday. High water messed with our sparrow, duck and wader numbers but it helped us score "huge" on rails, with 6 species, including Black and Yellow. We accumulated 18 warbler species, including Yellow-breasted Chat. Owls were diverse and in good numbers. American Bitterns (7) are enjoying the wet conditions and American Robins and American Goldfinches are arriving in modest numbers. The Pinelands team found an out-of-season Eastern Kingbird that was well-photographed. Our species total is 110, with 4 Count Week birds. Our targets of Brown-crested Flycatcher, Sedge Wren and White-tailed Kite finally cooperated in the afternoon. Many critters are seeking higher ground and we came across White-tailed Deer, Softshell, Red-bellied, Box and Snapping Turtles, 3 large Diamond-backed Rattlesnakes and a huge Water Moccasin. A gigantic THANK YOU to the team - most of whom are long-time veterans of this count. Welcome to our new team members, who bring enthusiasm and great birding experience.