FLORIDA - OCTOBER 2004           

Introduction

This was our second visit to Florida and was in the main a family holiday with birding thrown in. I was more relaxed about it this time as I had seen most of the common species last time and had no need to concentrate on every species. I had prepared well with lots of books and more or less knew what I'd be looking at. I had arranged one full days birding with Tom Rodriguez of Orlando, which turned out to be the best days birding I have ever had. Thanks Tom.

We flew Virgin Atlantic from Gatwick aboard the 747-400 “Barbarella”. They were first rate and despite being on a jumbo jet we experienced the smoothest take-offs and landings that we had ever had. Also the pre-flight early check-in at Gatwick and Orlando saved loads of time and hassle. Getting into the U.S.A. these days takes a while and was two hours from plane to hire car and included fingerprinting, photographs and putting your luggage through their security, so that you have to claim it twice.

The weather remained hot and sunny throughout at around 30ºC. It was occasionally cloudy and we had one or two showers of rain but never enough to disrupt what we were doing. Monday 11th it rained on and off throughout the day though. It was never as sticky and humid as in 2002 and for that we were grateful.

Despite never doing it before we all rode every major roller coaster in Central Florida, including the biggest of them all at Busch Gardens. Some had as many seven inversions and 360º turns around the track. It was an extreme experience to say the least.

I saw 132 species with 30 lifers. Disappointments were few - missing the Heermann's Gull at Fort De Soto, which vanished after the hurricanes, missing hummingbirds, not getting Limpkin or any owls yet again.  

F 8^th October 2004

We left a sunny but cold Gatwick aboard the Virgin Atlantic 747-400 "Barbarella" mid-morning to make the 4348 mile journey to Orlando in Central Florida. We arrived safely around eight hours later and then spent two hours clearing the new USA security measures to get into the country. The first bird was actually seen from the plane as it was taxiing to its stand, an Anhinga¹ drying its wings in the sunshine. The weather was cloudy and very warm at around 30ºC. Another seven common species were seen from the car on the drive to Wyndham Palms resort on the outskirts of Kissimmee. They were six American Crows², a Feral Pigeon³, three Black Vultures⁴, two Turkey Vultures⁵, a Great Blue Heron⁶, a Great Egret⁷ and a Starling⁸. When we arrived there we saw two Blue Jays⁹and ten Common Grackles¹⁰in the car park at 6:15pm. We decided we needed to get some provisions in immediately so took the short drive to a nearby supermarket and although it was only 8pm local time it was 1am UK time so we were really bushed. However it was a good call because the only Common Nighthawk¹¹of the holiday was seen hawking for moths in the neon lights above the mall. The neon blitz of International Drive was much reduced to our last visit two years ago because after four recent hurricanes much of it was wrecked. After a light meal we fell into bed exhausted at 10pm/3am.

Species total: 11     Life ticks: 0    U.S.A. ticks: 0

S 9^th October 2004

I was up at dawn and raring to explore the site. The first of twelve Northern Mockingbirds¹² was singing in a tree as I got outside. I found an interesting bit of scrub on the edge of the golf course (more of which later) and found within it a House Wren¹³, a couple of Gray Catbirds¹⁴, a few of the ubiquitous Boat-tailed Grackles¹⁵ flew over, a White-eyed Vireo¹⁶, a Red-shouldered Hawk¹⁷ surveying the area, a couple of Mourning Doves¹⁸, the first of nine Common Yellowthroats¹⁹, the males were stunning and five Eastern Towhees²⁰. I walked on a bit further and found a woodland surrounded hollow, which was most productive. Initially it was very quiet but a quick bit of pishing produced a couple of Northern Cardinals²¹, including a bright red male, a delicate little Blue-gray Gnatcatcher²², two Prairie Warblers²³, two Brown Thrashers²⁴ and then finally a lifer, an OVENBIRD²⁵, which popped up on the side of a bush and allowed me a minute or two to admire it. I walked on around the edge of the golf course and continued to see good birds including a Double-crested Cormorant²⁶, ten Palm Warblers²⁷, a Killdeer²⁸, two Loggerhead Shrikes²⁹, two Red-bellied Woodpeckers³⁰, the only Tree Swallow³¹ of the holiday, a Wood Stork³², a pair of Mottled Ducks³³, a pair of Pied-billed Grebes³⁴ and a Green Heron³⁵.

Returning to the piece of scrub where my walk started I found my second lifer, a pair of dainty COMMON GROUND DOVES³⁶ and a Red-eyed Vireo³⁷, a U.S.A. tick, having seen one on The Lizard in Cornwall in 1991. Five Fish Crows³⁸ were on our balcony and eight Snowy Egrets³⁹ were on a pond that had formed where they were building new apartments opposite the resort and viewable from our bedroom window.

We had decided on a lazy settling in day and drove out to Wal-Mart to stock up on essentials like Bud, wine and pork rinds. The two species of vulture were ever-present overhead and another Red-shouldered Hawk was seen. I took an evening walk with Bridgette to another part of the grounds recording many of the morning’s species again. Michael couldn’t be parted from American TV, over 100 channels, and adverts every ten minutes. New for the trip was a Little Blue Heron⁴⁰ on “my pond”, a pair of American Redstarts⁴¹, the male spectacular in black and orange flycatching in the evening light, two Carolina Wrens⁴² (huge wrens that look like they work-out), five Red-winged Blackbirds⁴³ and on returning home my pond held a amazing count of 23 Greater Yellowlegs⁴⁴. A good start.

Species total: 44     Life ticks: 2    U.S.A. ticks: 3

Su 10^th October 2004

I took an early morning walk around the grounds and saw four new species for the holiday. A couple of Moorhens⁴⁵, a Downy Woodpecker⁴⁶, a Wild Turkey⁴⁷which crashed off through the bushes at speed and two juvenile Indigo Buntings⁴⁸. Other notables included two Red-shouldered Hawks, five Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, 70 Red-winged Blackbirds, an Eastern Towhee, a male Common Yellowthroat, three Prairie Warblers, two Gray Catbirds, four Palm Warblers, a Carolina Wren, two White-eyed Vireos, the pair of American Redstarts still, twenty Fish Crows and a pair of Common Ground Doves. My pond had five Greater Yellowlegs, five Killdeers and a Snowy Egret.

Today we had decided to visit Epcot, a place we had enjoyed on our last visit. Here I had another seven new species for the trip - House Sparrows⁴⁹ (seem to be most common at theme parks), six Mallards⁵⁰, two American Coots⁵¹, a Tricolored Heron⁵², five White Ibises⁵³ (it's hard to get used to this wild species begging for scraps around your feet) and a Collared Dove⁵⁴. Additionally a Gray Catbird was in the butterfly garden where a Purple Martin condo was sadly empty, as they had all migrated.

Species total: 54     Life ticks: 2    U.S.A. ticks: 3

M 11^th October 2004

With my usual inability to lie in on holiday when there are birds to see I was up at first light and out around the grounds. My plans took a bit of a knock when I ran into a golf course Marshal, who advised me that although he did not agree with it guests were not permitted to walk around the edges of the golf course or on the trolley paths. This was to protect members of the public from any litigation that might arise from accidents involving golfers, plus of course there was a certain protectionist attitude towards non-golfers being on their $16 million championship course. Taking on board that advice I had to remove the golf course from my morning walk. The only new bird of the day was a Belted Kingfisher⁵⁵, which flew in from the NE and commenced fishing on a pond. Other good birds included eight Common Yellowthroats, three Eastern Towhees, six Northern Cardinals, two Red-bellied Woodpeckers, five Gray Catbirds, a Red-eyed Vireo, two Brown Thrashers, three Common Ground Doves and a Loggerhead Shrike all watched over by the resident Red-shouldered Hawk. My pond had 12 Snowy Egrets, two Little Blue Herons, a Great Egret, a Tricolored Heron, nine Greater Yellowlegs, three Killdeers, a Northern Mockingbird and six Boat-tailed Grackles.

As it was a showery day (heavy) we spent the day at Downtown Disney, which was great value at about twenty quid a person. It is four floors of computers, video games, air hockey tables, basketball, cartoon drawing sessions, a few rides and plenty of eating-places. I got chance to mail a few people at home and grip them off, but what I had seen so far was nothing compared with what was to come. We emerged into a dry warm evening and we barely saw the rain again during the holiday.

Species total: 55     Life ticks: 2    U.S.A. ticks: 3

T 12^th October 2004

Our 19^th Wedding Anniversary and Bridgette took me for half a day’s birding down to Lake Kissimmee via Joe Overstreet Road. I couldn’t have asked for a better present. I still took a pre-breakfast stroll although no longer on the golf course. I saw quite a few good birds including a new lifer in the shape of an EASTERN WOOD-PEEWEE⁵⁶, a flycatcher. It showed well around the edge of a pond. All the usual suspects were seen as well as two Carolina Wrens, three Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, a Red-eyed Vireo and a Sand Martin⁵⁷(Bank Martin), a holiday tick. My pond, which was diminishing in size each day through evaporation, had many of the usual species but today there were also three Least Sandpipers⁵⁸ present. These Mottled Ducks were also digiscoped from the bedroom window!

We set off for Lake Kissimmee seeing new species on the way, a Cattle Egret⁵⁹, bizarrely stood on top of a hedge by a traffic light on a busy intersection; the first of six Sandhill Cranes⁶⁰ along the CR-523, a Bald Eagle⁶¹ perched beside the road and two delightful male American Kestrels⁶². Also along this road were flocks of 9 and 14 Wild Turkeys and flocks totalling at least 90 Cattle Egrets. We stopped as soon as we turned into Joe Overstreet Road and I immediately found a CRESTED CARACARA⁶³ perched on a spoil heap and another two in flight being harassed by American Crows, my second life tick of the day. Joe Overstreet Road is a long sandy road, which leads down to Lake Kissimmee and is rightfully well known for the good birds along its length. Along the first half of the road down to Sailor's Hammock we had 24 Sandhill Cranes, seven Greater Yellowlegs, five Loggerhead Shrikes, a pair of American Kestrels, and an adult Bald Eagle, which came off carrion at the roadside, as well as lots of common species. We stopped at Sailor's Hammock to look for Burrowing Owls (per the Pranty guide), however I later learnt from Tom that they had not been here for many years. Whilst stopped we had good scoped views of the Bald Eagle two White-tailed Deer, an adult and a juvenile and I found three Eastern Meadowlarks⁶⁴, striking with their banana yellow breasts and black V-shaped collars. A 100 yards on we stopped by a small pond where we met a couple of birders from Nottingham. The pond held a huge Alligator, one of the biggest I have seen in the wild. It slipped quietly into the pond and we were quite grateful for the barbed wire fence between him and us. Also here was a Belted Kingfisher and a little further on a flock of c100 Cattle Egrets.

On arriving at Lake Kissimmee all the usual herons and grackles were present. Although we had plenty of drinks we had no food with us, wrongly assuming there would be a café at lakeside. Bridgette went off to check the row of buildings, which did not sell food either, unless you ate bait. However the cook on the ranch there had just barbequed steak for the ranch hands so she came back with a big steak on a plate that he had kindly given her. After splitting it three ways I reintroduced myself to Fire Ants. I had been standing on a nest! These spiteful little creatures do not just bite you but sneakily climb your shoe to form an anklet and then all bite together. Ouch! After brushing them off I went off in search of birds and photo opportunities with the guy from Nottingham. Both Little Blue Heron and Red-shouldered Hawk posed most obligingly. Ten Glossy Ibises⁶⁵ were new for the trip as were two (Barn) Swallows⁶⁶ and two juvenile Bald Eagles were overhead.

I decided to walk the other way out of the car park before we set off home and a quick scan brought another lifer, an adult male SNAIL KITE⁶⁷ perched just above the water on a post eating something, presumably an apple snail. This was another much wanted bird and I couldn't believe my luck as I'd heard that they were difficult. I showed it to Bridgette and the Nottingham birder before we headed back. He provided me with information on my other target lifer of the day, saying where he had seen WHOOPING CRANES⁶⁸ on the CR-523. Sure enough we pulled up by the ranch in question and found five of these endangered stately white cranes feeding busily. They were re-introduced to Central Florida in 1993 and seem to be doing well. The flock had risen to 87 in 2003; there are several nesting pairs.

As we drove on north a huge Pileated Woodpecker⁶⁹ flew over the road and another Belted Kingfisher was on roadside wires.

Three Sandhill Cranes roosted at Wyndham Palms overnight on a pond by the golf course.

Species total: 69     Life ticks: 5    U.S.A. ticks: 6

W 13^th October 2004

Another pre-breakfast walk on a hot and sunny morning was fairly quiet with all the usual suspects seen. I was trying to get to grips with a bird with a strange call in a pond by the Security lodge, when a golf Marshal rolled up on a golf trolley. I thought, "What have I done now?" He advised me that I might want to carry a big stick if I was going to carry on birding there. On asking why he replied that they had killed a 5' Water Moccasin in there last week and suspected there were many others. He also said that they were aggressive, would not back down and would actively chase humans. I beat a hasty retreat, carefully, as the colour drained from my face and thanked him for his advice. I never did find out what was calling but it may have been a frog.

My pond provided the best species of the day with only my second Wilson's Snipe⁷⁰ (looked just like our Snipe to be honest) and the Least Sandpiper flock had increased to 23. In addition to all the regulars two dainty Lesser Yellowlegs⁷¹ had joined their six Greater cousins.

We spent the day at Islands of Adventure riding ever-bigger roller coasters.

Species total: 71     Life ticks: 5    U.S.A. ticks: 6

Th 14^th October 2004

I made my usual pre-breakfast tour of the grounds and noted a small flock of six Indigo Buntings that were new in. In a stand of trees at the back of the apartments I found another lifer, a female ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK⁷², a large finch with a huge bill.

We spent the day at Sea World, which we enjoyed last time, and as usual it was really good for herons, ibises and storks, opportunists when it comes to free food. They hang around the dolphin and sea lion enclosures where unsuspecting tourists can lose the fish that they bought to feed to the inmates if they're not careful. As we were just finishing lunch I noticed three small birds in a tree just outside the restaurant. Bridgette fetched the mini-bins for me and I had soon identified them as a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, a Yellow-throated Warbler⁷³ and my second lifer of the day a MAGNOLIA WARBLER⁷⁴. Not bad for a theme park. Later when we were on Kraken another huge roller coaster I saw my first Osprey⁷⁵ of the holiday, whilst upside down!

Sea World also has FREE beer at the Budweiser exhibition and also I find the Belugas (White Whales) at the Arctic Experience fascinating.

Species total: 75     Life ticks: 7    U.S.A. ticks: 8

F 15^th October 2004

Today was to be my Big Day of the holiday, Tom Rodriguez, who I had found on BirdingPal, picked me up at 6am and we headed out towards the Gulf coast. It took us about two hours and Tom said there was a stormy cold front moving through early on and it could be good. What an understatement! This was to be my best day birding ever.

As we drove over the Sunshine Skyway I added three new species to the holiday list - 44 Brown Pelicans⁷⁶, four Laughing Gulls⁷⁷ and four Royal Terns⁷⁸ as well as 11 Ospreys. We stopped once across the bridge and immediately gained another lifer, a small group of three MONK PARAKEETS⁷⁹ on the phone wires. I have seen in these at Borehamwood in England but they are not yet tickable, Florida one's are however. A short distance further we stopped by a small pond to look for cowbirds, unsuccessfully, but did see seven Blue-winged Teals⁸⁰. Another intersection further on and Tom pulled to a halt by the roadside, another lifer just as he'd promised. MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRDS⁸¹, 31 in total flew over and even Tom was surprised by such a large number. They had massive wingspans and seemed dark and threatening in the early morning light, I wouldn't want to be a tern with one of these on my tail.

As we arrived at Fort De Soto Park we spotted a Common Ground Dove before arriving at the Mulberry Tree, our first stop. Frankly it was disappointing, we only saw a few common species the best being a Downy Woodpecker. The no-see-em's were biting like mad and I was glad to move on. Tom said wait until the front moves through.

We drove the short distance to East Beach and after adding an American Oystercatcher⁸², the first of many Willets⁸³ and a Grey (Black-bellied) Plover⁸⁴ to my holiday list we entered a fairly quiet East Beach woods. A Red-eyed Vireo was the first good bird, and then a few Palm Warblers raised hopes of something better and then my heart nearly stopped as I scanned a tree trunk and found a male BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER⁸⁵. This was number one in my most wanted bird list anywhere. It was a beautiful mint humbug of a bird creeping down the trunk. Tom congratulated me and it was already a great day. Shortly afterwards at a rest stop I found a female to go with it creeping through low mangroves. We arrived at a hidden pond in the centre of the wood and found at amazingly close range through the bushes three Roseate Spoonbills⁸⁶, unfortunately too awkward to photograph. A little further we found a small group of birds, which Tom believed to be ahead of the weather front. There was two Eastern Wood-Peewees, four White-eyed Vireos, a SWAINSON'S THRUSH⁸⁷, another lifer found by Tom, a Prairie Warbler and a bird grubbing around in the leaf litter finally revealed itself as an Ovenbird. I also saw a reddish thrush tail disappear into the undergrowth never to be seen again which may have been a Hermit Thrush. Tom noted that the sky was clouding up and suggested that we get out of the wood. As we retraced our steps I found a Reddish Egret⁸⁸ on the pond, three Turnstones⁸⁹ and 20 Semi-palmated Sandpipers⁹⁰ were on the beach and then as a final flourish Tom found me two more lifers, the first a beautiful BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER⁹¹ and then an elusive SCARLET TANAGER⁹² (unfortunately not Scarlet). As we broke cover from the wood the storm hit, we just made it to a beach shelter. We checked the beach for the long-staying Heermann's Gull but sadly it hadn't been seen since the last hurricane despite us bringing it popcorn. We ran to the car during a slight lull and drove down to the East Beach turnaround, where there were masses of waders, gulls and terns. We sat there whilst it lashed down but still compiled a good list including an AMERICAN HERRING GULL⁹³, new for me, two Lesser Black-backed Gulls⁹⁴(U.S.A. tick), four Semi-palmated Plovers⁹⁵, 50 Short-billed Dowitchers⁹⁶, 10 Forster's Terns⁹⁷, a Wilson's Plover⁹⁸, 10 Royal Terns, an Osprey, 10+ Sandwich Terns⁹⁹ and 20+ Sanderlings¹⁰⁰, a familiar species as 100^th bird of the holiday.

The rain eventually eased although it was still blowing quite hard and we drove back towards our next stop at North Beach. On the way we stopped to see a bedraggled Peregrine¹⁰¹ atop a low tree. As we got out of the car another Magnificent Frigatebird flew over, as did an American Kestrel. The island at North Beach was much reduced to my last visit presumably washed away during the hurricanes. However it still held good numbers of birds. The best of these were yet another lifer 10+ BLACK SKIMMERS¹⁰² with their bizarre bill readily identifying them. Tom found the only Western Sandpiper¹⁰³ of the day and I picked out a Ring-billed Gull¹⁰⁴(U.S.A. tick), a species I had missed here last time, although now seen annually in England. 

Our next stop was the Oak Grove where a sandy spit held another good selection of birds including 100+ Black Skimmers, 40+ Marbled Godwits¹⁰⁵, a Reddish Egret, 20 Brown Pelicans, 20 Royal Terns and an Osprey. An adult Bald Eagle flying over spooked a lot of them. We moved away from the beach and into the oaks and met up with Lyn Atherton, Jill Gaetzi and Ken Allen. They had just had a Limpkin, but frustratingly for us it did not linger, it was the first park record. Notable birds in the oaks included a male American Redstart, a Magnolia Warbler and a Yellow-throated Warbler. Two more Magnificent Frigatebirds flew over and a female Belted Kingfisher was seen. On the walk back to the car I spotted a Solitary Sandpiper¹⁰⁶ in a ditch, which was a nice bird to find, quite unexpected and was a U.S.A. tick for me.

We decided to head back to East Beach Woods where we would take lunch. On the way we had another four Ospreys.

After lunch we went back into the woods with Lyn, Jill and Ken and it was buzzing. It was obvious Tom's hunch had paid off and there had been a good fall of warblers. It seemed to have rained birds and everything got very manic (for me at least) in the next hour and I was glad I was surrounded by experts. At least ten Magnolia Warblers were seen, they seemed to be in every Sea Grape, Australian Pine and Palmetto. The first of SIX lifers in the next half an hour was a stunning YELLOW WARBLER¹⁰⁷, which glowed in the hot sunshine feeding in an Australian Pine on the edge of the beach. This outer edge seemed to be the best place to be. Next the call went up for a NORTHERN PARULA¹⁰⁸, there were actually three including a nice male. With them were at least two TENNESSEE WARBLERS¹⁰⁹, somewhat Chiffchaff-like and easily picked out. Three American Redstarts were next, including two bright males. Immediately I found a male HOODED WARBLER¹¹⁰ in a clump of Sea Grape, absolutely stonking!

Then a shout from Lyn, she had located a PHILADELPHIA VIREO¹¹¹ high up in an Australian Pine. She marched off into the leaf litter with us in tow, and me harbouring a nagging thought about those Moccasins, but nevertheless she made sure we all got onto it. These four guys and gals were really sharp, cutting-edge birders and missed little if anything. Talking of which she and Tom had a Bay-breasted Warbler, which I only glimpsed as a silhouette disappearing high through the treetops, so I didn’t count it. Next the immature male BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER¹¹² ,which was seen earlier was refound. A delightful little bird with a delicate shade of peachy-orange on the chest and sides of the breast. I thought back to the one Gordon had co-found on Fair Isle in 1988 and was pleased to have finally seen one for myself. We headed back towards the cars noting a small group of 4+ Indigo Buntings. Finally as we got into the car park a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak was resting in a low tree. I was stunned after the last half hour, I had never experienced anything like it and I only mentioned the good stuff because there were heaps of commoner birds too.

We moved back to the Mulberry Tree but only found a Northern Parula. However Lyn showed me some new butterflies – beautiful little Cassius Blues and Dorante’s Longtail. Earlier the others had some good birds at the Tower area so we moved on there next, passing a Raccoon with two young by the roadside. Almost immediately I was pleased to find a Yellow-billed Cuckoo (it was nice to contribute) and it gave good views before moving off. Also here were two Gray Catbirds, we had seen lots throughout the day, another Eastern Wood-Peewee and a female Common Yellowthroat, which Lyn described as the most commonly misidentified warbler. Next we relocated the male BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER¹¹⁴, which had been seen in the morning. Yet another lifer. This bird was really stunning and very confiding giving views down to just a few feet. Just minutes later a tall pine held my final life bird of the day, a male CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER¹¹⁵, another beautiful bird with yellow crown and chestnut flanks. Also in the pine was a male Black-and-white Warbler and three Magnolia Warblers. Lyn pointed out the many White Peacock butterflies and new to me, Fiery Skippers as we walked back the Oak Grove. As we got there Lyn found another Philadelphia Vireo but I couldn’t really get to grips with this one and a Tennessee Warbler in the same tree just added to the confusion. Also here was a Yellow-throated Warbler, a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, a Northern Parula, a pair of Black-and-white Warblers, three Palm Warblers, a Red-bellied Woodpecker and finally another superb Yellow Warbler. Sat amongst them all was a juvenile Cooper’s Hawk¹¹⁶ who must have thought it was Christmas with such a variety of prey to choose from. Most frustrating was a BLUE GROSBEAK, which called incessantly from the depths of the undergrowth, and although it had showed earlier to Lyn, Jill and Ken it never did for Tom and I and it would have been a lifer for me. Instead it has become one of those frustrating birds on my list as heard only. Tom and I said our goodbyes and made a final rest stop at East Beach before hitting the road. In the car park here were four Killdeers and a flock of 50 Mourning Doves. As we drove out of the park a Merlin¹¹⁷ flew inland, a U.S.A. tick. We also saw another four Ospreys (I just can’t get used to them perched on the top of lamp posts), another Magnificent Frigatebird, the 35^th of the day and 50 Brown Pelicans. It had been an incredible day and I can’t thank Tom enough, I hope I can repay the favour if he comes to England, but there’s no way I can promise a fall of birds like that. The only downside was the journey took double the time going home due to horrendous traffic jams making it a long day and too late for Tom to watch the Yankees on TV.

Species total: 117     Life ticks: 23    U.S.A. ticks: 28

S 16^th October 2004

We decided to visit Merritt Island today because Bridgette knew I wanted to go and it was the best day because the rest of week two was already planned. A quick scan from the bedroom window revealed quite of few waders on the pond still - 10 Greater Yellowlegs, a Lesser Yellowlegs, a Killdeer and 15 Least Sandpipers. Setting off after breakfast I only had one target in mind - Florida Scrub Jay. I had made two trips there last visit and had dipped both times so it had to be third time lucky. Tom had told me that on Thursday there had been several at Scrub Ridge Trail and along John Kennedy Parkway as well as easy to see Northern Flickers. It was an easy run across with little traffic and beautiful weather. All the usual birds were seen on the way and an Osprey was at the junction of 528/407.

Driving onto the island we saw 10 Brown Pelicans, 11 Ospreys, five Belted Kingfishers, 20 Laughing Gulls, two American Kestrels and a flock of about 30 Black Vultures on the carcass of something large and hairy in a roadside ditch. We drove along the parkway a couple of times, checking the wires as Tom had suggested but saw only the kestrels. Not to worry I thought, Scrub Ridge Trail will turn up trumps. Well it did to a degree, as soon as we got out of the car we saw three NORTHERN FLICKERS¹¹⁸ in palm trees and flying back and forth. A life tick and no effort expended, but where were the Scrub Jays. Most of the trail was closed after the hurricanes, but I thought I would check out the driveway whilst Bridgette and Michael sat in the shade and had a drink. I had eight Gray Catbirds, two Downy Woodpeckers, two Scarlet Tanagers (better views than yesterday), three Red-bellied Woodpeckers, an Eastern Wood-Peewee and another lifer, a SUMMER TANAGER¹¹⁹, feeding in a tree near the beehives. There were also two Monarch butterflies here. I heard a jay calling, here we go I thought but no, just a Blue Jay. I set off along the parkway seeing a Tennessee Warbler and another Osprey, Bridgette picked me up. I couldn't believe this was happening again, so I decided we would go into Titusville and get some lunch. We went to a little restaurant called Kloiber's, recommended by Tom, and very nice it was too.

After lunch it was very hot so I decided we would do Black Point Drive and maybe the Scrub Jays would show when it was a bit cooler. In the main the Drive was very disappointing, the water levels were high and there were very few birds, not at all like last time when it was alive with birds. It was almost as if the four hurricanes had swept it clean. There were some notable birds of course - three Ospreys, four Green Herons, two Glossy Ibises, 10 Pied-billed Grebes, six Tricolored Herons and a Reddish Egret. A brief stop when a female Northern Harrier¹²⁰ appeared, a bird Tom had seen and I had missed yesterday. On reaching the hide at the centre (which was closed) I could find no Savannah Sparrows, which had been around here last time. However a Sora Rail¹²¹ feeding along the edge of a ditch was obliging and was a U.S.A. tick for me having seen the Devon bird in 2000. 

We also saw three Alligators here. Just round the corner the first Eastern Phoebe¹²² of the holiday was sat in a gateway.

We drove on through then and again saw no Scrub Jays on the parkway. I checked the Scrub Ridge Trail again and drew another blank only adding Pine Warbler¹²³ to the holiday list. I couldn't believe this was happening yet again. Bridgette and Michael were running out of patience with birding and frankly I didn't blame them. I decided that we would go to Haulover Canal and see if we could see any Manatees. There was only one immediately below the viewing platform and it showed quite well but the water was Brooke Bond brown after the recent weather. A Green Heron was fishing off of the rocks by the river's edge. Two Peregrines flew over whilst we watched.

My final thought as we were running out of daylight within the hour was to go to Canaveral National Seashore and ask the gate guard if there had been Scrub Jay sightings. We had just missed them here last time. Again there were none along the parkway as we drove to CNS. We parked and just as I was asking the guard if she had seen any jays today a FLORIDA SCRUB JAY¹²⁴ flew across the road in front of me. At long last! It perched on top of a bush and posed nicely before joining two more on our side of the road. Bridgette asked me sweetly why we didn't start here five hours earlier and I could only mumble that we missed them here last time, even though I now remember the guards saying that they were always around. The only downsides to the day were trying my family's patience, having to scratch a Painted Bunting site Tom had given me and losing the plunger off of my cable release here. We drove home into the setting sun with me making promises of three consecutive theme park days and no birding (at least, not too much).

Species total: 124     Life ticks: 26    U.S.A. ticks: 32 

Su 17^th October 2004

Another hot and sunny day and we were off to Universal Studios early. We had a very enjoyable and relaxing day. The only birdy moment came whilst we were waiting for the outdoor Ghostbusters show. I became absorbed watching a kettle of 10 Turkey Vultures in a cloudless blue sky. They were suddenly joined by a smaller raptor, which circled with them. With the aid of my mini-bins and a field guide later I was able to i/d it as a BROAD-WINGED HAWK¹²⁵, another life tick.

Species total: 125     Life ticks: 27    U.S.A. ticks: 33

M 18^th October 2004

Another early start on another perfect day. A pair of Sandhill Cranes were a new species for my pond this morning. We were driving out to Tampa to go to Busch Gardens today. We saw all the usual stuff from the car on the hour and three-quarters journey although 10 Glossy Ibises near Polk City were notable and an Alligator in the Tampa Byass canal as we crossed it.

As theme parks go Busch Gardens is the best of all, it has the best rides, a good wildlife collection, FREE beer at the Budweiser exhibition and loads of wild birds. As we waited in the queue to go in a Peregrine flew over and the raucous calls from inside came from Monk Parakeets, which were throughout the grounds, showing a preference for the crowns of palm trees. As we arrived as it opened all the big coasters were queue-less so we did them all (before lunch) and some of them twice. Two Black-crowned Night Herons¹²⁶ (U.S.A. tick) were sorting out the exotic fish in the huge tank housing Hippos and a massive Croc. It was also quite a buzz to hand feed Boat-tailed Grackles with food we were supposed to be feeding the captive birds. Over 200 Laughing Gulls and 50 White Ibises were in with the captive Flamingos and 60+ Wood Storks were on the "African Plains" amongst Giraffes and Zebra. Also saw another Monarch today. It was a brilliant day highly recommended for kids of all ages (especially the ones over 30). On the way home we saw a Bald Eagle on a pylon at Auburndale near a nest platform. It may even have been the one we saw in more or less the same spot two years ago.

Species total: 126     Life ticks: 27    U.S.A. ticks: 34

T 19^th October 2004

Today we were going to Universal around lunchtime so that we could catch the evening TNA Wrestling show that was being televised from the studios. I took a longer walk around the grounds and found a few good birds as well as all the regulars. Notable species were another Wilson’s Snipe, which flushed in front of me, three Common Ground Doves, two Tennessee Warblers, a Magnolia Warbler and two Least Sandpipers and a Greater Yellowlegs on a pond at the edge of the golf course. Whilst I watched the waders I watched a bit of the golf, of four shots off the tee in a four-ball, two went in the pond, one was lost forever and the other went in the rough. I think I would have been perfectly safe in the middle of the fairway never mind the paths. No wonder we won the Ryder Cup. My own little pond, and getting littler by the day had in addition to the regulars c50 Least Sandpipers and 24 Greater Yellowlegs.

We had another good day at Universal, Michael blagged VIP passes for the Wrestling so we had front row seats, he got to meet a couple of the stars and deemed it the best day of the holiday. The heavens opened as we left at around 9pm, and although refreshing we got soaked.

Species total: 126     Life ticks: 27    U.S.A. ticks: 34

W 20^th October 2004

Today we travelled west towards the Gulf coast where we would be overnighting because Bridgette and Michael were going to be snorkelling with Manatees on Thursday. It was a long journey with many of the usual species noted en route. Notables included two American Kestrels, a flock of 100 Boat-tailed Grackles on the Florida Turnpike and a turtle species dicing with death trying to cross a road near Lecanto. We arrived at Homosassa Springs at around 4:15pm. The park closed at 5:30pm but they let us in on a discounted rate (RAC members get discount). They had a captive collection of almost all of Florida’s mammals and a good few birds too including Florida Panther and Florida Black Bear. There were also many wild birds on site. The best of these were two male Blue-winged Teals, two Pileated Woodpeckers, at last giving really close perched views as they hammered a rotten trunk, nine Wood Ducks¹²⁷ (4 males and 5 females) and two Ospreys. We were the last to leave the park and drove the short distance north to Crystal Springs where we checked into a Best Western (we got reduced rates there, due to hurricane damage).

In the evening we walked the short distance to a nice restaurant on the edge of King’s Bay called “Crackers” where we enjoyed an excellent meal. I had shrimps, which were the size of crayfish.

Species total: 127     Life ticks: 27    U.S.A. ticks: 34

Th 21^st October 2004

We checked out very early and drove the short way to Birds Underwater where we joined a boat, which sailed into King’s Bay at first light in search of West Indian Manatees. Bridgette and Michael were togged up in snorkelling gear as they were going to swim with them. I, being a poor swimmer stayed on the boat, to watch and look after the doughnuts (well, someone had to). We quickly struck lucky a found a group of up to six of these gentle beasts including a mother and calf. Bridgette and Michael spent a long time in the water and were able to stroke them if they approached of there own free will. They had a fabulous time. I was quite envious but I knew deep down that I would not be comfortable in deep water, because although I can swim, I tread water like an anchor. 

I saw plenty of birds from the boat and got nice close-up views of some of them. Best of these were a pair of Bald Eagles on Banana Island, three Ospreys, 50 Double-crested Cormorants, a male Blue-winged Teal and three Belted Kingfishers. Additionally I saw a Canada Goose¹²⁸, which was new for the holiday, with 10 Mallards. I assumed it to be feral but I suppose it ain’t necessarily so. After about three hours afloat we returned to port and my family took pity on me and said we could do some birding on the way home.

First we went to Fort Island Gulf Beach. At least 100 Black Skimmers and 20 Laughing Gulls were on the beach together with two Royal and two Forster’s Terns. A rocky breakwater held 20 Semi-palmated Plovers, a Grey (Black-bellied) Plover, a Killdeer, a few Brown Pelicans, 10 Double-crested Cormorants and 10 Sanderlings. I headed off along the edge of some vegetation found three Red-winged Blackbirds, an Eastern Phoebe and a sparrow species. I got excellent but brief views of it as it plunged from bush to bush. It took a Field Guide to nail it; it was a NELSON’S SHARP-TAILED SPARROW¹²⁹, another life bird. As we left I noted a medium sized raptor perched up at roadside, I got Bridgette to stop and I walked back to view it. It was a Red-shouldered Hawk. Then I felt the pain, I had stood in a large Fire Ants nest through watching the hawk and not where I was going. They swarmed all over my feet and legs biting with relish. A passing car thought I was probably a mad English Morris Dancer (I had an England T-shirt on) and one or two other people were laughing their heads off too. 

We passed a Belted Kingfisher at Chassahowitzka and eventually stopped at Withlacoochee State Forest. I was hoping to find Red-cockaded Woodpeckers but failed. However I did see three Tufted Titmice¹³⁰, a Pine Warbler, two Eastern Phoebes and a CAROLINA CHICKADEE¹³¹, which was my second lifer of the day. Michael gained his first experience of driving on the deserted gravel forest road whilst I birded.

We got back on the Interstate and headed back towards Orlando making one more stop in Withlacoochee State Forest, this time in Hernando County. I chatted with a very helpful Forest Ranger regarding seeing the woodpeckers, he gave me a map, pointed me in the right direction but added early morning’s were best. He was right, when we got to the spot I searched for a long while to no avail. I had a second Carolina Chickadee, two more Tufted Titmice, another Pine Warbler, a White-eyed Vireo and then just as I was leaving I found a YELLOW-THROATED VIREO¹³². A stunning bird and my final life tick of the holiday. I also had a new mammal on the path here, a Fox Squirrel, like a Gray Squirrel on steroids.

The remainder of the journey passed quickly, a flock of 100 Cattle Egrets beside the I27 was notable.

Species total: 132     Life ticks: 30    U.S.A. ticks: 37

F 22^nd October 2004

After our hectic week so far today was very relaxed. We had breakfast by the pool and then a swim. My little pond, which would be gone in a few days, now had 75+ Least Sandpipers on it and a Common Ground Dove was new there.

We took a drive out to South Port Park where we took an airboat ride on the lake. I was hoping to see an elusive Limpkin but it was not to be. There were lots of birds to look at whilst we waited an hour for our boat. There were 20+ Palm Warblers, 20 Red-winged Blackbirds, 50 Least Sandpipers, a Western Sandpiper, two Lesser Yellowlegs, four Killdeer, a male Belted Kingfisher and two Ospreys. The Airboat was an experience, very fast and I got very damp. He did pull up in the centre of the lake to show us two large Alligators on an island. Driving back towards Kissimmee a quick stop produced three Sandhill Cranes, four Wild Turkeys and a Bald Eagle.

We drove around a couple of housing estates just looking at the different house styles and the garden birds were very different- one house had nine Sandhill Cranes on the front lawn and drive, whilst another had five Wild Turkeys sat on the garden fence!

In the evening I took a few photos of Loggerhead Shrikes and of my pond.

Species total: 132     Life ticks: 30    U.S.A. ticks: 37

S 23rd October 2004

Going home today, I took a last farewell walk down to Sand Lake, about a mile south of our resort. Generally it was pretty quiet and I failed to add anything new. Notable birds included a Green Heron, a gorgeous male Common Yellowthroat and 75 Least Sandpipers still on the pond. An American Kestrel was beside the CR-545.

We drove to Downtown Disney where for $5 a head Virgin lets you check in your luggage early and book your seats. This was an excellent arrangement as we weren’t flying until 8:30pm (actually it left an hour late). We spent most of the day here just shopping and sightseeing and also at the cinema where we saw the very funny “Shark’s Tale”. My last bird was a Boat-tailed Grackle just before we entered the airport. We flew home aboard the 747-400 “Jersey Girl” with no complications. Another fabulous holiday was over.

Species total: 132     Life ticks: 30    U.S.A. ticks: 37

Other wildlife seen:

Mammals:

Gray Squirrel               Common throughout

Fox Squirrel                 One at Withlacoochee State Forest

Marsh Rabbit               A few at Wyndham Palms

Raccoon                       Common at Fort De Soto Park, including a female with two young

White-tailed Deer        Adult and juvenile at Joe Overstreet Road

Harbour Porpoise         One off of the Sunshine Skyway and one breaching off of East Beach at Fort De Soto Park

West Indian Manatee   One at Haulover Canal, Merritt Island and 6+ including a mother and calf at King's Bay, Crystal River

Additionally road kill accounted for Opossum and Nine-banded Armadillo as well as some of the above

Reptiles:

American Alligator        Three at Black Point Drive, Merritt Island, one huge specimen at Joe Overstreet Road and one at Lake                                        Kissimmee, one Tampa Byass Canal

Green Anole                  Two at Wyndham Palms

Brown Anole                  Fairly common throughout

Six-lined Racerunner    Fairly common throughout

Florida Redbelly Turtle   One South Port Park Lake

Turtle sp                       One probably a Cooter trying to cross a road near Lecanto

Butterflies:

Gulf Fritillary                 Cassius Blue                                      Carolina Satyr

Cloudless Sulphur            Dorante's Longtail                             Zebra Longwing                    

Fiery Skipper                 Long-tailed Skipper                           Monarch

White Peacock               Eastern Tiger Swallowtail                  Sleepy Orange

Many different species of dragonflies were seen in a variety of sizes and colours but with no field guide I couldn't identify them.