On Saturday, March 2, twenty-five birders joined TAS Field Trip Coordinator Brian Rapoza for a full day of birding in Everglades National Park. The caravan trip began at the Ernest Coe Visitor Center and ended in Flamingo. Our itinerary included stops at Royal Palm Visitor Center (Anhinga Trail and Gumbo Limbo Trail), the Bill Robertson Center on Research Road, Long Pine Key Campground and Picnic Area, Mahogany Hammock, West Lake and the Guy Bradley Visitor Center and Amphitheater area in Flamingo. Avian highlights among the 60 species tallied during the day included:
A pair of baby Anhinga and six Purple Gallinules at Anhinga Trail
Nine Wood Storks, including three at Coe Visitor Center
Ten Swallow-tailed Kites, seen at various locations in the park, including one perched along the entrance road to Royal Palm
Nine warbler species, seen at various locations in the park
Eight American Wigeon at West Lake
American White Pelicans, Caspian Terns and a Black Skimmer on the mudflats near the Flamingo visitor center
Baby Ospreys in a nest at Flamingo Amphitheater area
An eBird trip report listing all 60 species recorded during the day can be viewed at Everglades National Park Birding, 3/2/24 - eBird Trip Report.
Swallow-tailed Kite: Photo by Brian Rapoza