Comments for Badbirdz - Reloaded

Comment on Jacksonville Radar was Rocking; Go Bird! by Dave Gagne

Dave Gagne — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:05:30 +0000

Hi All,

Saturday’s strong northeast winds produced a good raptor flight in the 6 hours that I was observing yesterday as 9 species were detected moving along the gulf here in Holiday.

Blac Vulture 12
Turkey Vulture 32
Osprey 4
Bald Eagle 3 (1 adult)
Northern Harrier 12!!!! (ALL but 1 before 9:30)
Sharp-shinned Hawk 3
Cooper’s Hawk 3
Short-tailed Hawk 1 (dark morph)
Red-tailed Hawk 1

All these birds were moving south except the Ospreys, eagles and vultures.

Other species of note seen:

Northern Shoveler 1
Lesser Scaup 10
Hooded Merganser 18
Common Loon 2
Tree Swallow 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 45
Palm Warbler 12

Good Birding!!
Dave Gagne

Comment on Jacksonville Radar was Rocking; Go Bird! by Jeff Hooks

Jeff Hooks — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:43:20 +0000

This morning (Sunday, 11-8)), even the resident Blue Jays and Squirrels were scarce at Abercrombie Park, perhaps they sense the storm. One very dark blue Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was buzzing around. But I noticed a persimmon tree that I had not seen before in the park.

unenlightened, the
November persimmon is
still firmly attached

Comment on Jacksonville Radar was Rocking; Go Bird! by Roberto

Roberto — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:01:47 +0000

After seeing the wind pick up to 20-25 kts and gusting yesterday afternoon, I decided to do a sea watch after work. I went to Virginia Key and walked along the shore to the easternmost area facing the range markers offshore. The first bird was a large duck flying south just before I was set up, then shortly afterward a Pomarine Jaeger also flew south. Later a flock of about 15 distant ducks went unidentified. Northern Gannets were constantly flying south along the reef, and a few Laughing Gulls flew just off the beach heading north slowly against the strong NE winds.

I noticed a single gull, considerably smaller than a laughing, flying north by itself in the direction of Fisher Island that caught my attention in the binocs. Unlike the laughings, this one was flying very gracefully, almost enjoying the strong winds. I quickly put the scope on it and got excellent looks. The wings had the distinct black bar from the bend to the wingtips on the leading edge, and with the gray back showing the distinctive pattern of a Sabine’s. The bird is a nonbreeding adult.

If anyone knows a gull hangout in the southern Miami Beach area near Government Cut, this would be the place to check.

With strong winds the next 5 days, coupled with the time of year, this is the time to check the coast. I plan on being out there again Monday before work. I went there this afternoon hoping to see a Scoter, and found a Sabine’s Gull instead. I hate when that happens!

Comment on Migrants Heading South into C. Florida by natureisawesome

natureisawesome — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:44:47 +0000

Loved it Jeff, you Haiku’s always make our day!

A & M

Comment on Migrants Heading South into C. Florida by Jeff Hooks

Jeff Hooks — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:42:21 +0000

This afternoon flocks of Tufted Titmice, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Palm Warblers, and Pine Warblers filled the trees in Abercrombie Park, St. Petersburg.

hiding in needles
feeding Pine Warblers display
their distinctive tails