Andy Wraithmell
aka Limeybirder
still got a bad back but it's improving daily so should be out the woods soon!:-O
Been pretty busy in the state recently for uncommon and scarce species. Nothing major really on the rarity front but a cold front just passed through Tallahassee today. It went from being in the 80s yesterday to low 50s as I write and the temp is still dropping steadily. Wore a fleece today. I fully anticipate a rarity or two to show up behind this front. South Florida or the panhandle coast being the likely spots to host such birds. Anyway here are the recent records.
2 American Black Duck are present on Mounds Pool 3 at St Marks NWR. Black Duck is an annual winter visitor and St Marks is THE most reliable site for them every winter. One of the 3 White-faced Ibis was spotted at the refuge recently also.
A Brown-crested Flycatcher has been seen at Fort De Soto County Park in Pinellas County as recently as yesterday. A Long-billed Curlew is also present at the North Beach shorebird sanctuary and will likely winter.
The C-111 pump station area nr Homestead is always an excellent birding location (out of area birders take note). Several scarce and uncommon species are currently attracting many locals, including Carlos who saw some great birds in that area today. Vermilion Flycatcher, Lark Sparrow, Western Kingbird, Swainson's Hawk, White-tailed Kite etc. All these species are recorded wintering and migrating in the S Fla region annually but are worthy of mention. Wish we had such a selection in my area!
Here is a picture of the Vermilion. http://www.tropicalaudubon.org/tasboard/messages/60531.html
A flock of Greater (American) Flamingos has been frequenting Florida Bay in the Everglades area. The birds are thought to be juveniles and considered countable. You'll probably need some luck, a hike out to the end of the Snake Bight Trail or a boat to see them. Good Luck!
I'm off to Archbold Biological Station. If something major shows up hopefully Carlos or somebody else will post.
A Dark-eyed Junco was found in Brevard County in parking lot 12 at Playalinda Beach. Junco's are rare in the peninsula.
Been pretty busy in the state recently for uncommon and scarce species. Nothing major really on the rarity front but a cold front just passed through Tallahassee today. It went from being in the 80s yesterday to low 50s as I write and the temp is still dropping steadily. Wore a fleece today. I fully anticipate a rarity or two to show up behind this front. South Florida or the panhandle coast being the likely spots to host such birds. Anyway here are the recent records.
2 American Black Duck are present on Mounds Pool 3 at St Marks NWR. Black Duck is an annual winter visitor and St Marks is THE most reliable site for them every winter. One of the 3 White-faced Ibis was spotted at the refuge recently also.
A Brown-crested Flycatcher has been seen at Fort De Soto County Park in Pinellas County as recently as yesterday. A Long-billed Curlew is also present at the North Beach shorebird sanctuary and will likely winter.
The C-111 pump station area nr Homestead is always an excellent birding location (out of area birders take note). Several scarce and uncommon species are currently attracting many locals, including Carlos who saw some great birds in that area today. Vermilion Flycatcher, Lark Sparrow, Western Kingbird, Swainson's Hawk, White-tailed Kite etc. All these species are recorded wintering and migrating in the S Fla region annually but are worthy of mention. Wish we had such a selection in my area!
Here is a picture of the Vermilion. http://www.tropicalaudubon.org/tasboard/messages/60531.html
A flock of Greater (American) Flamingos has been frequenting Florida Bay in the Everglades area. The birds are thought to be juveniles and considered countable. You'll probably need some luck, a hike out to the end of the Snake Bight Trail or a boat to see them. Good Luck!
I'm off to Archbold Biological Station. If something major shows up hopefully Carlos or somebody else will post.
A Dark-eyed Junco was found in Brevard County in parking lot 12 at Playalinda Beach. Junco's are rare in the peninsula.
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