The Chase!

I was in a Las Vegas taxi heading for the big PMA photo trade show when I got the call. "Jeff are you home?... I'm on my way to Key West and I'll pick you up on the way by..." A mega-rarity had been identified in Fort Zachary Taylor Park in Key West, the first documented record of a Loggerhead Kingbird in the US! Later that day two individuals stopped me on the show floor, "Did you hear what you're missing in Florida?" One even showed me the image that had been posted.

US first Loggerhead Kingbird! digiscoped by Austin Bouton, Key West, FL 3/11/07

I was scheduled to catch a red-eye out of Vegas at 1 AM that night (or the following morning depending on your point of view) which would get me back home near mid-day Friday. Saturday morning I had to head 3 hours in the opposite direction for an all day optics event near Orlando. I arrived home late Saturday. I had a long time think about the distant flycatcher in Key West as I drove home. It would require 13 hours of travel to get to the western most point in the Florida Keys and back unless I flew or took a boat. It sounded like a lot of time and effort. None-the-less I checked for interest when I got home Saturday night. When my 8 year-old son stated plainly, "Dad , this is a once and a lifetime chance... we HAVE to go see this bird!", the decision had been made!

female Chuck-will's-widow, digiscoped through Leica spotting scope 3/11/07

An Eastern Screech-Owl called in the backyard as I packed the car Sunday morning. A good start to the day even if I was already an hour behind and had been robbed of precious sleep due to daylight savings time. We were soon racing across the Everglades on Alligator Alley as the first rays of light showed. In the dimly lit dawn, Ospreys and Cormorants sat silhouetted on dead snags lining the road. We saw our first Chuck-will's-widows shooting low over the highway as they moved from hammock to hammock (the female above was digiscoped at Fort Zachary Taylor later that day). As the light increased Herons, Egrets, and Ibis (oh my) began to fly from roost to feeding grounds in loose flocks.

It seemed we reached the keys in no time. Unfortunately, the first 2/3rds of the distance we 'd covered represented less than half of our drive time en route. Even under the best traffic conditions, covering the last 100 miles to Key West would take a minimum of 3 hours! Fortunately it was a beautiful day and we were able to bird and enjoy the scenic keys as we drove: Magnificent Frigatebirds, "Great White" Herons, Reddish Egrets, Black-hooded Parakeets, and White-crowned Pigeons were some of the many highlights.

distant immature light morph Short-tailed Hawk, hunts over Fort Zach 3/11/07

About an hour out from Key West, I started feeling a bit apprehensive and decided it was time to call the pros for an update. As suspected professional Miami area bird guide, Larry Manfredi, was there already. "Yeah it's here" he assured, "I probably won't still be here when you arrive... Mark's here though!" Less than 20 minutes out I called Key West bird guide, Mark Hedden. "We're searching the hammock for other migrants right now... There is a Short-tailed Hawk hunting over the hammock..." I shuttered as I envisioned this deft bird-eater swooping down and snatching my would be prize moments before my arrival!..... (think happy thoughts, happy thoughts!)

US 1st Loggerhead Kingbird, digiscoped Key West, FL 3/11/07 Jeff Bouton

After the longest 15 minutes of my life we finally reached Fort Zachary Taylor Park at the western most point of Key West. I drove to the far end of the hammock and parked where Larry had seen the bird earlier in the AM. It was a bit past noon and as hot as blazes. Many other birders had come and gone, and there were now two immature Short-tailed Hawks hanging above the parking lot (one light, one dark). I called Mark as I set up my scope eyeing the hawks carefully.

"...haven't seen it in about 1/2 an hour... looking at a Black-whiskered Vireo right now... try walking the ridge trail back towards the hammock..." Another couple walked by and mentioned they hadn't seen it in about 20 minutes either. Once again a nightmarish scenario flashed through my head! I shook it off and headed for the ridge trail.

We'd walked the ridge trail only 20 feet, when the large, gray-backed flycatcher flashed across the trail in front of us perching 30 feet away! Nothing like tapping in to the home court advantage that the local pros can offer. Thanks guys!

We spent two and a half hours soaking up the Kingbird, enjoying the history of the fort, the sculptures, and other migrants including Black-whiskered Vireo before reluctantly heading back to the car for the return trip. Anxious anticipation had carried us here, sheer elation would get us back home!

Free Digiscoping workshop

For the benefit of those in and around central Florida this weekend, I will be offering two free digiscoping workshops in Apopka , FL this Saturday 10 March 2007 at 10:15 AM and 2 PM as part of Mosquito Creek's annual conservation days. You can find a full listing of this and other activities offered as well as directions, etc. on their website:
http://www.mosquitocreekoutdoors.com/products.asp?dept=412

I will be covering many topics related to imaging through your spotting scope in this brand neutral presentation: including comparative analysis between imaging with small point & shoot cameras vs. standard DSLR camera systems, best bets for selecting cameras and adapters, how to best couple camera to your scope, as well as a bunch of tips on field craft that will allow you to easily take great images and have fun while your doing it.

Following a short presentation we will move outside and work on "hands on" imaging techniques. Bring your own equipment and questions if you already have some and if not I will gladly share!

Hope to see some of you there!

AM Walk in the Park

On an evening family kite flying adventure, we came face to face with a Barred Owl perched on what I guessed to be a favorite roost judging by the white wash on the ground. I had no camera or binoculars, but the bird sat only 15' off the trail and was talking to us. Hoping that this bird was a creature of habit, I walked down to the park the following AM. My owl was a no show, but since I was geared up and the sun was shining, I took a short stroll around the tiny patch of habitat to see what I might see.

Blue Jay digiscoped at local park, FL 03/05/07

The woods were alive with the sounds of Northern Cardinals and Carolina Wrens belting out their melodious songs. Between these songs were the scolds of Tufted Titmouse, Yellow-rumped Warbler "chups", whispered wheezy Gnatcatchers, and the "REEEP!"s of the newly arrived Great Crested Flycatchers. An Eastern Phoebe called while a local Northern Parula warmed up his best singing voice. Blue Jays voiced Red-shouldered Hawk impressions from the brush, while migrant flocks of Goldfinches and Cedar Waxwings flit from tree top to tree top.

Cedar Waxwing gives thin, airy trills from high in the trees, FL 03/05/07

The small horseshoe-shaped pond in the center of the park offered some of the standard Florida fare and one surprise visitor. While rare throughout most of the United States, the Anhinga is a common Florida resident and can typically be seen in nearly any little pond. The male Anhinga below sat on a low log in the little pond and grunted at me as I paused to take his picture.

male Anhinga sits on a dead snag at the small park a stone throw from home

It was not surprising to see an adult Little Blue Heron close to home either, after the summer rains they often walk through the yard with white Ibis and Egrets picking tadpoles out of the drainage ditches.

adult Little Blue Heron patiently waits for a minnow or frog to pass nearby

I was however, very pleasantly surprised to see the little female Wood Duck tucked into the corner of the glorifed ditch. I'd never seen this one anywhere near my home before even though they certainly occur nearby. The only other duck I'd ever seen here was Mottled Duck.... I guess a "common bird" is a relative term, huh?!? ;)

a "birding bonus", female Wood Duck - digiscoped 3/5/07 w/Leica Televid scope & D-Lux 3 camera

Folks please feel free to send your questions and comments. I'd love to hear from you.

Real "birdy"!

Even though I didn't have as much free time for birding on this trip as I might on other trips, when the area is as "birdy" as Padre Island/Corpus Christi you can't help but notice a lot of species. Although, I'm certain if we ask the many college students that will soon flock to the area for spring break what bird species they saw the list may not be overwhelming!...

When I landed in Corpus I had a couple hours free, and was able to see some of the Rio Grande Valley specialties near the northern limits of their range. For example a quick stop at and around Hazel Bazemore park produced views of Inca & Common Ground-Doves, Couch's Kingbirds, Green Kingfisher, Black-crested Titmouse (always tempted to call plural birds "Titmice"...), and Great Kiskadee along with the more widespread species.

adult White-tailed Hawk, digiscoped on Padre Island, TX, Feb 2007

As you approach the coast you are in the heart of the White-tailed Hawk's range here in the United States. This stunning local specialty is always great to see and I noted at least a dozen between the airport and Port A! There were also Kestrels, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Northern Harriers, and Red-tailed Hawks rounding out the raptor list. Aplomado Falcons are nearby but I didn't make a special trip to track one down on this trip (so many birds, so little time...)

Wilson's Snipe blends into the reeds

On Padre Island proper the other birds seen are fairly typical of what I see near my home on Florida's gulf coast. Notable exceptions (beyond the aforementioned) include Least Grebe, and Neotropic Cormorant. Why these two birds aren't seen in FL is beyond me but I keep looking.

American White Pelicans prepare for flight, but don't take off!

American White Pelicans are a common sight along gulf coast beaches along with laughing gulls, terns (mostly Forster's and Royal), and a great assortment of Shorebirds.

Marbled Godwit, Padre Island, TX, 22 Feb 2007

Regal Marbled Godwits are often present on beaches with more numerous Sanderling, Black-bellied Plovers, Ruddy Turnstones, and Short-billed Dowitchers among others. It is interesting to note that the majority of the dowitchers I identify to species on the gulf beaches are Short-billeds. The Long-billed Dowitchers seem to prefer the brackish water marshes and fresh water ponds.

Short-billed Dowitcher on Padre Is. gulf coast beach 22 Feb 2007

These same inland pools where I saw Long-billed Dowitchers on this trip, played host to Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks, American Avocets, and Black-necked Stilts. The short grasses of the island were hopping with Palm Warblers, Common Yellowthroats, and a variety of sparrows. Most common were Savannah Sparrows but on one windy morning I caught fleeting glimpses of both Vesper and Le Conte's Sparrows as well. I would have loved to have seen both better, but at least I know I will have great opportunities to see these birds singing on territory later in the year when I work the Detroit Lakes Bird Festival in MN!

Black-necked Stilt looks back over its shoulder, Port Aransas, TX 25 Feb 2007

No whooping on this trip....

Well folks I did the unspeakable, I attended a Whooping Crane Fest and didn't see a Whooping Crane!!!... Now before you shed a tear for me I have to say this is solely because I didn't attempt to see one either. I had little free time on this trip and as luxurious as the travel may seem, I actually do work on these trips. As such, I never really had enough free time outside of my duties at the expo to go and chase after the cranes. Although EVERY participant surely had ample opportunities and all who wanted to surely saw the Whoopers.

In the few free hours I had outside of the vendor expo at the fun Port Aransas Whooping Crane Festival, I stayed local and had some fantastic birding. In about 30 minutes time I had a veritable duck free for all at the local birding hotspot. From the birding boardwalk I was able to easily observe many close waterfowl (and shorebird) species.

Ring-necked Duck pair, digiscoped in Port Aransas, TX 2/25/07

This stunning pair of Ring-neckeds were awesome, but the tiny teal really stole the show! It was great to have such close viewing opportunities, it allows one to really appreciate all the intricate feather patterns that blend into blots of color when the bird is more distant.

pair of Blue-winged Teal, Port Aransas, 2/7/07

The close up view of the male Blue-winged Teal above brought back memories of a "scraggly" kid covered with mud from head to toe, cradling a one-winged, male Blue-winged he'd "rescued" from a nearby stream! Old "Timmy Teal" lived with us for a while and would waddle behind me in the backyard until a nosy neighbor blew me in for not having the proper permit. It's OK I eventually got a dog and he could fetch...

Cinnamon Teal, Port Aransas, TX 2/7/07

While less nostalgic for me than the Blue-winged, the stunning Cinnamon Teal is always a sight for sore eyes.... and actually with that blood-red iris this bird looks like it might have some! Fortunately, I didn't have to choose a favorite, because I had the perfect compromise below, a hybrid male Cinnamon x Blue-winged Teal.

hybrid male Blue-winged x Cinnamon Teal, Port Aransas, TX 2/7/07

Those following at home may recall this is the second hybrid male between these two species I've seen this year (one in FL in January). It was interesting to note how extremely different the two birds were in appearance. That is one thing about hybrids, is they tend to show intermediate characteristics between the two parent species, but there doesn't seem to be any predictability in how these attributes will be displayed. In some cases, this is likely complicated because a hybrid may back cross with one of the original parent species and create a completely different mix of genes and characteristics.

male Green-winged Teal, Port Aransas 2/7/07

Of course, no teal-fest would be complete (in the US at least) without the spectacular Green-winged Teal. lik ethe muddy-faced male seen above. This was the third (and a half?) species present in close viewing range this AM! The bird below offers yet more proof of the similarities between teal and the family dog (in case you were wondering)! ;p

male Green-winged Teal scratching his head in Port A . 2/7/07