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Werner-Boyce Salt Springs
S.P.
Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008
Leaders: Ken Tracey and Murray
Gardler
Participants: 35
Species 30
An enthusiastic group of birders
gathered at Werner-Boyce Park for an opportunity to walk into the salt barrens
and marshes hoping to see two species of elusive sparrows. This part of the
park is only open to the public on special occasions and in the company of a
guide. Our leaders were Ken Tracey and Murray Gardler, a perfect tag-team of
experts. Ken has spent a lot of time studying this area of the park. First, to
document the presence of nesting Black Rails and more recently to survey the
Sharp-tailed and Seaside Sparrow populations.
The first part of the
trek was through a mixed hammock and many year round and winter residents were
spotted. I will mention Carolina Wren and Chickadee, Gray Catbird and N.
Mockingbird, N. Cardinal, Red-bellied Woodpecker and Warbler sightings which
included Pine, Palm, and Yellow-rumped. Also E. Phoebe and Yellow-shafted
Flicker.
As we continued walking, several large
flocks of A. Robins flew over. Other birds spotted in flight were Bald Eagle,
N. Harrier, Caspian Terns, Wood Stork, Great Egret, and Tree Swallows. One of
the highlights of the long walk to the marsh was a close look at male and female
Eastern Towhees. Murray explained that the red eyes indicated wintering birds
since the ones that breed in Florida have white eyes.
Ken had picked several places to
stop and try for the sparrows. We also began hearing and in some cases seeing
other secretive denizens of the salt marsh. These species were Sedge and Marsh
Wrens, Sora and Clapper Rails and Swamp Sparrow. At our third stop on the
sparrow hunt, Ken coaxed up a Scott's Seaside Sparrow that stayed in view for
about five minutes. Murray made sure that we all saw it. This was a life bird
for several of us including yours truly! We were just as lucky getting long
looks at Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow. Several began flying up out of the
needle rush and between the mangrove trees. Another "lifer " for some. All
expectations were fulfilled.
Most field trips have at least one
unexpected surprise and this one was no exception. On the way back a
Short-tailed Hawk was seen in flight. This raptor is on Florida's "Most Wanted"
list and was found nesting in Pasco County by Ken Tracey a few years ago. This
was trip to remember. I hope we can repeat it in the future. Aggie
Condon
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