Deep South (9)...and Finally!

Two days then.

ANTILLEAN NIGHTHAWK was my first target. I had a number of sites lined up, ...Key West and Marathon Airports being the main ones. I tried on 5 occasions, obviously at dawn and dusk. I bumped into the tour groups on more than one occasion. First two attempts...no joy.

I then tried Key West Airport at dawn. I was on my tod this time. The sun was threatening to break the horizon...then, there it was shooting across the tarmac...pity-pit-pit...the diagnostic call! Again a massive relief. I tried on a further two occasions but this was my only sighting.

ABA 665

Key West is a fascinating place, full of character...and characters!

Key West Rooster...can't tick this one!

We spent quite a bit of time at Fort Zachary Taylor S.P.  This park has a superb track record for turning up rarities. I was still hopeful! Pretty  dry as you can see by this trail. Also )and most important) Louise was happy reading her novel under the palm trees by the ocean!

I check the internet daily for the latest news and on our penultimate evening things got interesting. A BAHAMA MOCKINGBIRD had been reported...guess where...yep...Fort Zachary. Next morning after another failed attempt for further views of the NIGHTHAWK we made our way to FZ and set our stall up under the trees. No sign of the bird or any birders (which was surprising considering the number of tour groups in the area). Some on there way surely. It's not a MEGA Stateside, being more or less annual in Florida BUT it was obviously a BIG deal for me.

By lunchtime it was HOT and it was time for a drink. As I crossed the car park I saw 2 birders sat in the back of their truck. I walked over and asked if they knew about the BM. "Yes", one of them said, "we've just seen it!!!" I think they guessed I'd like to see it and they kindly offered to walk back with me to where they'd "had it", which was pretty impressive (and kind) considering the temperature.

5 minutes later I was looking at my ABA 666...

I was elated to see this bird, another rarity and therefore a bonus for the trip. I thanked them both for there help. It was later to transpire that they were tour group leaders from North-East Florida, namely David Hartgrove and Gallus Quigley. Thanks chaps.

There were also some commoner species around the park. To think I travelled to Rum to see this one, slightly different circumstance granted...

A tad closer...

Mourning Dove

...and another special bird...the spectacular White-crowned Pigeon...

who says pigeons are boring?

David and Gallus gave me a good lead for my final target BLACK-WHISKERED VIREO. My previous trip to Florida in 2009 was slightly earlier in April and this species hadn't arrived in force. I was hoping/praying that May 2nd would pay dividends. As we arrived at the site I noticed several other birders and cars. Guess who was there...yep David and Gallus with their group (15). They told me they'd been looking for MANGROVE CUCKOO since dawn. I'd been lucky.

I could hear BWV almost immediately. At least 4 birds singing. Things looked good. Difficult to see and photograph as they stayed deep in the mangroves and were constantly on the move in the increasing heat and humidity. Eventually I managed a photo...

Black-Whiskered Vireo

ABA 667

So, success. All my 6 targets achieved PLUS 3 bonus Rarities.

We'd had a fantastic holiday. Never had a bad one yet in the States. Great weather, sights, food, drink and of course birds. All possible thanks to my wonderful partner...she enjoyed it as well!

On the way back to the airport in Miami we stopped off to try and get a glimpse of the localised Key West Deer. We got lucky to say it was the 11am...

Now that IS Cute!

That's it then. Only took me 9 months! Hope you enjoyed at least some of it? I'm going to stay on the ABA front this week as I have day shifts. Next I'm going to do a (brief) summary of my list, I have a few armchair ticks to add plus a look at future possible additions. Be nice to reach 700 before I peg out. Not bad for spring and summer holidays. I must do a winter trip one time...if I can convince Louise to go.

Deep South (8)

I'm going to try and tie things up with this post as it's ran on far to long.

Now where was I?

Nashville, Tennessee. Bit touristy this part...you may wish to move on?

Some pretty cool trucks on the freeway...

Nashville is world famous for it's Country music and there are plenty of bands still playing for tourists in the historic district...

The King had reached here too...Elvis that is!

Then onto Memphis and his home...

Fantastic Blues guitarists...

and then onto New Orleans...

If you ever get the chance to visit the States...DO IT...you won't regret it. It was simply a breathtaking and unforgettable 10 days in the middle of our tour. Would've been rude not to!

We worked our way back to Florida along the Gulf Coast arriving back at Fort Myers on April 28th. I'd already looked for "the Cuckoo" for at least 20 hours (Louise brought plenty of novels!)...

Does she look bored?

I tried again. Back to Ding Darling, my number one site. I took the Wildlife drive one more time. I was first there, so it was obviously quiet...ideal. It's a fantastic spot with plenty to look at/for. I scanned the Mangroves yet again. It can be a daunting task, there are lots of them and not many Cuckoos!!

Then a movement, surely not, after all this time? There it was!!!

Pleased with this backlit image in the early morning light

You may already know that this is a VERY difficult bird to find, more so to actually SEE. I was euphoric. This was the numero uno target and my time was running out...fast! No apologies for another as it moved slightly closer...

What a cracker!

I bumped into three tour groups in the next few days and NONE of them had seen this bird. It was in view and calling for about a minute, then it was gone.

CHUFFED!!!

Time to move on. Next stop Key West.

We were booked on the Yankee Freedom bound for the Dry Tortugas on the 30th. I'd chosen this date as some Birding tour companies would also be on the boat, hopefully increasing my chances of seeing my target bird...AUDUBON'S SHEARWATER. I'd also been in touch with a couple of boatmen but nothing had come of it, so this was my only chance. It was a slim one as one of the tour leaders informed me that he'd never seen it from the YF in ten years of visits. He reckoned the boat moved too fast...22 knots.

Anyway, we boarded in the already almost unbearable heat and humidity and I found a suitable spot up top. Louise sensibly stayed inside with the A/C, food and drink!

Not a cloud in sight as we left the harbour. The boat did shift but it's a big vessel and it was possible to scan comfortably. I reckon there were at least 50 birders scanning from the front of the boat. Being honest there wasn't much to keep us interested. I reckon we'd been going an hour or so when I noticed a movement starboard (technical stuff) or to the right! I couldn't believe my luck. There hurtling along the side of the boat was an AUDUBON'S SHEARWATER! Tremendous!

I shouted to the others allowing most if not all to get on the bird. I can't tell you the relief I felt at adding this bird to my ABA list during my one and only shot at it. This was my 664.

I could relax now and enjoy the day on the island...so could Louise!

As we approached we were taken close to the Masked Booby colony on Hospital Key...the only one in the ABA area.

Fortunately one flew past the boat giving me a closer look...

Magnificent Frigatebirds breed here on Fort Jefferson...

Awesome birds...

Other special birds here include breeding Sooty Tern...

and Brown Noddy...

There's sometimes a rare Black Noddy with them. Despite extensive scanning by yours truly and the others, none were found.

That's enough. Failed with the tie up. Never mind. Tomorrow I'll conclude the trip report. I still had 2 ABA lifers to try for and maybe a rarity if I hadn't used up all my luck? Both are exclusive breeders to Florida. I didn't intend to re-visit this State (although you should never say never) so I was keen to try and notch them. I had 2 days.

Deep South (7) - Way up North

Back to the Spring tour.

We left Florida and headed North into Georgia. If you've got a non-birding partner you'll know you have to take an all-round view to holidays! No problem for me as I love sightseeing in the States. Might be for you though so feel free to skip these bits.

We headed for Savannah (one of many fabulously named places). It's 453 miles from Ft Myers and took us around 7 hours with stops. We did the old centre tour...

Live Oak lined streets draped in Spanish Moss

The bus guide was superb with a wonderful slow southern drawl...loved it! She called the place Slooooovannah. As a kid I collected American Civil War cards which also had replica Confederate money...those were the days. This definitely fuelled my love of American history and particularly the Civil War.

I also love the architecture...

From here we headed further North West through South Carolina and on into North Carolina. We were aiming for Hendersonville, making another 289 miles.

Next day I was up early and heading up onto Skyline drive...

Skyline Drive is a 105-mile (169-km) road that runs the entire length of the National Park Service's Shenandoah National Parkin the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.

The particular spot I was interested in was the Pisgah Inn. This was the number one site for my code 1 target bird...guessed what it might be yet? I tried the recommended areas and again at dusk...but not a sniff. The sunset was spectacular though...

5,000 ft

I'd scheduled a few days to hopefully connect with this bird...and I had some support! I rang my contacts Marcus Simpson and Marylin Westphal and they agreed to meet me the following evening. We met at a designated car park and we followed them to the alternative site. They told me that they hadn't had any sightings on their last two visits...which didn't raise hopes? At least the weather was good which was always going to be a concern.

We arrived around 30 minutes before dusk and waited. Marcus and Marylin prowled up and down the road listening and looking while I scanned. Still nothing, not a single bird. 20 minutes had passed now and it wasn't looking good.

Then, a sound, then there it was... a low flight across the hillside! American Woodcock (ABA 664) There was a further display flight in the fading light. No photo...but who cares...I'd seen it!

A big relief!! As previously stated I'd struggled to find a strategy to connect with this bird previously, so the long detour had paid off. Now to make it up to Louise.

Next stop Nashville, Tennessee...

Deep South (6)

It would soon be time to head north, way north, in search of a species that I'd  not really had a decent shot at in all my visits to the States. A common bird (code 1) but it just hadn't fitted in with my holidays which had been Spring and Summer and mainly southern based. Any ideas? More in the next post.

I would be returning to Florida in the latter part of our trip to target some highly desired species that hadn't arrived yet. I'd also be re-visiting...

...for my number one target.

Here are a few more pics from this superb reserve...

Green Heron

Brown Pelican

It's wasn't ALL about birds! There's some pretty smart animals about as well...

Racoon

The middle third of our holiday was mainly sightseeing. I WILL give a brief summary. You may...or may not, be interested. If it's the latter you can always hit the little x at the top right of your screen!

Visible Migration par excellence - Swallow-tailed Kites!

...BUT before I do I feel it's worth mentioning another highlight of my time on Sanibel Island. It was our second evening and we were looking for somewhere to eat. There was plenty of choice! We'd just pulled into a likely spot when I noticed a bird floating overhead.

It was dusk by now but there above me was the unmistakable silhouette of a Swallow-tailed Kite. Problem was I'd packed up for the day and my camera was in the boot. A few minutes fumbling and I'd managed to sort things out...problem was the bird had disappeared! I'd previously seen a fly-by down in the Everglades

...but I'd not given up on this one.

Fortunately I picked it/one up again over the supermarket!

It was 7.11pm

The light had nearly gone...then I noticed another, then another...

EIGHT!!!

What a stroke of luck. They floated around for a good ten minutes before dropping into the woods to roost. I was there at dawn next morning and gave it a good hour but no sign.

A magical encounter with one of my favourite birds.

Deep South (3)

So, a great start. Being greedy I charmed? Louise into a trip to Fort Myers. Nothing to do with the Eurasian Wigeon that had been present in the area for quite a while. Always questions over vagrant wildfowl BUT this bird had been accepted by the Florida boys...so it was good enough for me!

The good news for Louise was that I found it straight away...you've gotta love eBird...

ABA 663

I'd booked us into the Best Western at Fort Myers for a few days. Again, nothing to do with it's proximity to Ding Darling NWR on Sanibel Island. A truly marvellous place AND my best chance for my No 1 target bird MANGROVE CUCKOO. I hasten to add that even here it was going to be a tough ask.

The island is a millionaire's playground but deep within it is an extensive mangrove swamp with an accessible wildlife drive. I spent three early mornings there but I couldn't drag one out of the mangroves. Again, unsurprisingly very hot and humid but I enjoyed the challenge. There was also plenty to admire...

Reddish Egret

The gigantic White Pelican...

Yellow-crowned Night Heron...

No luck with the main target but I had other plans for this bird later on the trip. Time to head north now to try a long shot for a long overdue species...

Deep South (2)

On the way back to Flamingo we had the last hour of light at the superb Royal Palm Anhinga/Gumbo Limbo (what a great name) trails. On the way we saw lots of Egrets and Herons at varying distances. Something made me stop at one pull in...glad I did!

Wood Stork

The views of the birds here are simply stunning. The evening light and the total lack of wind was helpful.

Wonder why they call it the Anhinga trail...

A fabulous bird...

A fellow grockle spotted this baby Alligator...

Then we all saw a larger one...

The tropical sunset and the superb wildlife was a wonderful start to our trip.

Then, an American Purple Gallinule put in an appearance just before dusk...

On our way back to the car we turned to see this group of Anhinga in the fading light. You can see why the native American Indians called them "Snake birds"

The Everglades...a fabulous place

Deep South review (1)

As promised many moons ago, it's time for my review of our spring visit to the States. Hopefully it won't be too long-winded.

The holiday started with a bang. A rarity chase. I'd been following "the latest" from home and I had my fingers crossed that a La Sagra's Flycatcher would hang around for me. In fact there had been a couple of reports but I reckoned the bird seen at Key Largo Hammock State Park was my best bet.

You can't always be in the right place at the right time. This was the case today (14th April) as we arrived at midday as the temperature was reaching 100F! I hate heat...and humidity even more BUT if there's a bird to see...I'll put up with it. Same applies to pelagics come to think of it!

Anyway I left Louise reading in the shade and ventured off to try and find the right spot where the bird had been seen 3 days ago. It was sweltering with (unsurprisingly) not a soul in sight...mad dogs and all that.

Encouragingly the directions I had started to fit into place and after around 15 minutes I reckoned I was at the right spot. I hadn't seen a single bird. I have to admit I was struggling badly with the heat...it WAS our first day.

Then a movement, surely not, a bird...it looked promising. I only saw it for around a minute but it was long enough to add LA SAGRA'S FLYCATCHER (661) to my ABA list...

Chuffed to grab a pic in the heavy shade and oppressive heat. Unfortunately I couldn't re-locate it but I have to admit I didn't try to hard...I HAD to get outta there! This species is a fairly regular migrant to southern Florida from the West Indies but to connect with it on holiday was a great stroke of luck in the limited time I had.

We then returned to the mainland and headed for the Everglades. My target here was Shiny Cowbird. We drove down to Flamingo and had some late lunch. The SC had been associating with the many common Brown-headed Cowbirds on the car park lawns...shouldn't be too difficult?

It was. There were hundreds of BHC in scattered groups. Yes, it was stifling here too. We drove slowly up and down the lanes, isn't air conditioning wonderful!! Finally success...

VERY Shiny (662)

I'd dipped on this species twice before on previous visits to Florida...this was a BIG tick for me. I hoped to mop up all the Florida specialities I still needed and I'd got off to a great start.

I could relax now...at least for today. We spent the rest of the day enjoying what the Everglades had to offer. A few more images...

canoodling Black Vultures 

American Crocodile - very lucky to see this reclusive species

What a beauty!

More tomorrow...