Posted by Mark McShane on March 06, 2016 at 12:32:07
Hi All, Yes indeed, a bunch of very happy and elated birders, many from very far away, and many of whom had stuck it out looking for the ZENAIDA DOVE all day yesterday until virtually the very last minute, were finally rewarded and treated to an absolutely magical birding moment when amazingly the dove walked out onto the trail at about 5:55pm and stayed for 10-15 minutes or so before departing! The park closed at 6:15 for day use. The trail location was about 40 feet east of the original westernmost flagging tape spot which is located at about: 24.812728,-80.818662 GPS: N 24 48.764 W 80 49.120 This is about 100 feet or so west of the first trail that goes (right) to a little beach when walking in from the west, flagging tape is on the left. Great scope views, and a good bit of handheld phonescoped video shot, will post later. Many folks were able to observe the bird and/or shoot their phones through the 50x wide-angle 82mm Nikon with good results as well. Speak softly and carry as big an optic as possible! Good Birding All! Mark Mark McShane Georgia Birder-At-Large Lawrenceville, Gwinnett County, Georgia www.neargareport.com