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Hudson Beach, Veterans Park and Meadow
Oaks Field Trip
Saturday, Dec. 15,2007
Participants: 12
Species: 57
We couldn't have asked for a better
morning to go birding in the middle of December. Hudson Beach was the first
stop. Willets, Semi-palmated Plovers, Ruddy Turnstones, one Dunlin and a Little
Blue Heron were finding food among the rocks. The day before, I saw Ring-billed
Gulls flying past the Sabal Palms to eat the berry like fruits.Dolphins became
the center of attention when they came close to shore to feast on mullet. There
was a good look at a male Kingfisher as we left for Veteran's Park.
Veterans Park on Hicks Road offers a
variety of habitats: open fields, oaks, pines, and wetlands. There was a good
mix of resident and migrant birds. Sandhill Cranes,, Monk Parakeets,
Red-shouldered Hawk, American Kestrel and Killdeer were added to the list.Winter
visitors included American Robin, Loggerhead Shrike, Eastern Phoebe, and Palm
and Yellow-throated Warblers.
I have been watching a pond in Meadow
Oaks for a few weeks. The first time I counted 20 Ring-necked Ducks. This
Saturday there were about 150! Also, a few Hooded Mergansers. A beautiful
sight in our birding wonderland.
Next year we'll explore in our
neighboring counties. Check the schedule and join us if you can. New birders
are especially welcome. Aggie Condon
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