Key West is an interesting place. I had seen the White-crowned Pigeon the day before but was really wanting to get a decent photo, so I looked in my Florida Birding Guide (thanks Bill Pranty) and found a few locations listed. I went to the Pigeon Preserve near the airport and success! Not the absolute best photos but good enough to share.
The time of year as I have been told many times is wrong but I have seen a lot of birds in breeding plumage and many more fledglings this trip so it is worth it except for the never abating mosquitoes. I continued to the botanical garden which is really nice, not the best birding spot for the time of day or year though. The people there were really interested in talking but as this was one of the solo parts of my journey I was selfishly just wanting to get hiking and birding.
I left Key West for the return trip along the long chain of islands stopping only for the occasional bird. I did take the toll road back and found that quite charming and relatively good for birding. I continued north to the Everglades and had set a goal to watch the sunset at Flamingo. The visitors center was closed but it provided the first Common Nighthawks since California. I blasted down to Flamingo but didn’t beat the sunset… the mosquitoes were the worst of the trip and I beat a hasty retreat back to my car. I headed back toward the entrance with the intent of finding a place to pull over and sleep.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
Nature Ali's Grand Adventure - Day 17, July 6th.
Waking at dawn I figured I needed to find the nearest place to bird before continuing toward the keys. I hadn’t really been birding at the optimum time so my list was languishing with few new discoveries. I really wanted to find Snail Kite and Limpkin and the name Loxahatchee stuck in my mind as possibilities for where to find those species, so off I went arriving shortly before 8 in the morning.
The butterflies at the Visitor Center were magnificent. I started to walk down the cypress boardwalk trail but found I was donating an excessive amount of blood to the local mosquito population. Back to the car for a deet dip and then to another trail that might be more productive. I asked where to find both of my target birds and was motioned toward the marsh trail. A lovely trail with less mosquitoes but it started to rain so I grabbed my umbrella and off I went. Many dragonflies but not many birds; there was a family of Common Moorhen in the little canal to the south of the trail. I took a few photos and then walked another ½ mile before I heard the cackle of rails I didn’t recognize. Turned out to be a family of Purple Gallinules that were warning the rest of the family of a lurking American Alligator, they surrounded the poor beast clucking the whole time. He just sank further into the water in a hunting posture. I watched the unfolding drama for about 15-minutes before continuing my journey. It remained a stand-off. The clouds broke and the sun began to shine brightly so I opened my umbrella to ward off the hot rays since I had taken off without any water, it made for a relatively comfortable walk. I continued on looking for Limpkin at every corner, but alas not to be found. I watched a Red-shouldered Hawk fly out of the forest followed closely by a bird I hadn’t seen before! Success, two Snail Kites flew out to enjoy the thermal that the hawk and vultures had found. I left satisfied with one more species under my belt and continued my quest to get to Key West.
Made the mistake of thinking Highway 1 wouldn’t be much worse than the turnpike where there were tolls… next time I will just pay the tolls, what a nightmare of stop light after stop light. Got through Miami and started onto the keys. The first key is Key Largo. The keys are a series of small narrow islands that are connected by relatively short bridges except for one 7-mile long bridge. It was not what I had expected, I thought there was a 30-mile long bridge… not on this trip.
Anyway, I stopped at a wildlife care center in Key Largo… that was one of the better choices for a stop. Full of cages of rehab animals, some of which I had never seen before. They also were a location for many other birds that found the place welcoming.
The butterflies at the Visitor Center were magnificent. I started to walk down the cypress boardwalk trail but found I was donating an excessive amount of blood to the local mosquito population. Back to the car for a deet dip and then to another trail that might be more productive. I asked where to find both of my target birds and was motioned toward the marsh trail. A lovely trail with less mosquitoes but it started to rain so I grabbed my umbrella and off I went. Many dragonflies but not many birds; there was a family of Common Moorhen in the little canal to the south of the trail. I took a few photos and then walked another ½ mile before I heard the cackle of rails I didn’t recognize. Turned out to be a family of Purple Gallinules that were warning the rest of the family of a lurking American Alligator, they surrounded the poor beast clucking the whole time. He just sank further into the water in a hunting posture. I watched the unfolding drama for about 15-minutes before continuing my journey. It remained a stand-off. The clouds broke and the sun began to shine brightly so I opened my umbrella to ward off the hot rays since I had taken off without any water, it made for a relatively comfortable walk. I continued on looking for Limpkin at every corner, but alas not to be found. I watched a Red-shouldered Hawk fly out of the forest followed closely by a bird I hadn’t seen before! Success, two Snail Kites flew out to enjoy the thermal that the hawk and vultures had found. I left satisfied with one more species under my belt and continued my quest to get to Key West.
Made the mistake of thinking Highway 1 wouldn’t be much worse than the turnpike where there were tolls… next time I will just pay the tolls, what a nightmare of stop light after stop light. Got through Miami and started onto the keys. The first key is Key Largo. The keys are a series of small narrow islands that are connected by relatively short bridges except for one 7-mile long bridge. It was not what I had expected, I thought there was a 30-mile long bridge… not on this trip.
Anyway, I stopped at a wildlife care center in Key Largo… that was one of the better choices for a stop. Full of cages of rehab animals, some of which I had never seen before. They also were a location for many other birds that found the place welcoming.
Nature Ali's Grand Adventure - Day 16, July 5th.
I left the motel with all intents to drive to Key West, but thought I hadn’t done enough birding so I stopped at a rest stop in Georgia and the helpful man told me of Jekyll Island. I thought it sounded interesting so headed off for a quick tour of the place. I didn’t know Manatees ranged in Georgia. I didn’t see any but there were signs all over the place to watch for manatees. The island itself was nice.
I went to the nature center and birded a bit but since I am here at the wrong season there isn’t as much to see but the butterflies and dragonflies are impressive. I did find a Northern Parula feeding in the shrubs and trees near the nature center. I then drove to the beach by the convention center and found lots of Laughing Gulls and a few terns. Among the gulls a strange gull that turned out to be an out of place Black-headed Gull. A lifer for me and somewhat of a frustration since I can’t get on the Internet and let local birders know of this unusual bird in breeding plumage. Damn AT&T!
Anyway, more nature trails to explore. Found a skink at the campground on the north end of the island. I finished my visit to the island by visiting their Visitor’s Center and taking in the view from their newly constructed viewing platform. An impressive structure indeed! I left Georgia behind and drove straight down I-95 stopping at a reststop to get some sleep.
I went to the nature center and birded a bit but since I am here at the wrong season there isn’t as much to see but the butterflies and dragonflies are impressive. I did find a Northern Parula feeding in the shrubs and trees near the nature center. I then drove to the beach by the convention center and found lots of Laughing Gulls and a few terns. Among the gulls a strange gull that turned out to be an out of place Black-headed Gull. A lifer for me and somewhat of a frustration since I can’t get on the Internet and let local birders know of this unusual bird in breeding plumage. Damn AT&T!
Anyway, more nature trails to explore. Found a skink at the campground on the north end of the island. I finished my visit to the island by visiting their Visitor’s Center and taking in the view from their newly constructed viewing platform. An impressive structure indeed! I left Georgia behind and drove straight down I-95 stopping at a reststop to get some sleep.
Nature Ali's Grand Adventure - Day 15, July 4th.
Reluctantly, I left Manassas after a wonderful visit with my family. I am so proud to be related to all of them. Headed down to rendezvous for a quick two-hour brunch with my adopted sis, Gail and her husband Guy. It is so interesting, they live around the block from my sister Margot and Gail is exactly one year younger than Margot. Although they are very dissimilar, they both have wonderful senses of humor. I love hearing both laugh and they crack me up with their wit.
Anyway, drove along Interstate-98 toward Florida and stopped only at rest stops along the way. Still enough time was spent to pick up another life bird; a Blue-headed Vireo. The Crepe Myrtle at a South Carolina at dusk was amazing as it was covered with many species of dragonflies. Apparently the dragons are desperate to find lodging for the night, while walking one buzzed me then landed on my shoulder. That was so cool!
Spent the night at a motel in Hinesville, Georgia.
604 miles
Anyway, drove along Interstate-98 toward Florida and stopped only at rest stops along the way. Still enough time was spent to pick up another life bird; a Blue-headed Vireo. The Crepe Myrtle at a South Carolina at dusk was amazing as it was covered with many species of dragonflies. Apparently the dragons are desperate to find lodging for the night, while walking one buzzed me then landed on my shoulder. That was so cool!
Spent the night at a motel in Hinesville, Georgia.
604 miles
Nature Ali’s Grand Adventure – Day 14, July 3rd.
I met Liz at 7:30 a.m at Huntley Meadows Park in Alexandria, VA. This was a great park where I saw so many great birds and several lifers. The park has a trail that leads to a boardwalk along a marsh. I was so impressed with Liz’s love for nature and her brilliant observation skills, she saw so many things that I would have missed had she not pointed them out. It was such a thrill to bird with a true naturalist, a first since I left California.
I reluctantly left Liz’s company for lunch with my brother and his family. I rendezvoused with Margot at Rich’s house where I saw my nephews for the first time this trip. Alex and Zach certainly have grown. They are such cute kids and Kate and Rich are wonderfully doting parents. Rich and Kate recently bought this house after selling their condo with the help of the HGTV program “Get it Sold”.
The ever passionate homeowner, Rich after giving us a quick tour of the house showed us his project… the backyard! His goal is to make it really kid friendly so tree removal, shrub relocating and land leveling are parts of the process. Margot and I helped do some weeding and raking before the rain put a stop to the project.
After the rain shower, we all got some great Thai food and went to the local park with the boys. What a great playground. They played and played while we visited a bit. Then Margot and I returned to her home where packing for the continuing journey was on the agenda.
Local driving today.
I reluctantly left Liz’s company for lunch with my brother and his family. I rendezvoused with Margot at Rich’s house where I saw my nephews for the first time this trip. Alex and Zach certainly have grown. They are such cute kids and Kate and Rich are wonderfully doting parents. Rich and Kate recently bought this house after selling their condo with the help of the HGTV program “Get it Sold”.
The ever passionate homeowner, Rich after giving us a quick tour of the house showed us his project… the backyard! His goal is to make it really kid friendly so tree removal, shrub relocating and land leveling are parts of the process. Margot and I helped do some weeding and raking before the rain put a stop to the project.
After the rain shower, we all got some great Thai food and went to the local park with the boys. What a great playground. They played and played while we visited a bit. Then Margot and I returned to her home where packing for the continuing journey was on the agenda.
Local driving today.
Nature Ali’s Grand Adventure – Day 13, July 2nd.
I had always wanted to visit the White House but it was one stop I had never had the opportunity. My sister-in-law works for the Office of Management and Budget at the White House so I finagled a tour from her. She was a great tour guide… while she didn’t know the normal spiel it was good to just be with a normal person who could comment on things we found mutually interesting. Of course, I expect she thinks me even weirder than before as it was the squirrel and birds on the grounds that made me more excited. The grounds have the trees marked which always helps me narrow down what I might be seeing in parks around Kern County.
After our visit, I left Kate as I was anxious to get out of my fancy clothes and into more comfortable shoes. Off to visit the Washington, DC office of Audubon. That is a great office full of interesting and passionate people dedicated to the cause of protecting our planet. Have I mentioned how much I love Audubon and all that our organization does? I met all of the staff but was especially pleased to meet Liz Pomper who is a Facebook friend. Her enthusiasm and smile was a sight for sore eyes. She introduced me to everyone in the office.
We set a date to meet for birding in the morning and then I left to lobby my Senators about strengthening the Global Climate Change legislation while making sure there were habitat protections in the bill. Afterwords I walked around the National Mall photographing the buildings and of course the critters. A family of Great-crested Flycatchers was nesting across from the Hart Office building on the Capitol grounds.
I then drove to Roosevelt Island Park to hike the trail and bird. It was muggy and although the sun was shining it began to pour while I was on the backside of the park. I got soaked but the weather was warm and my only concern was getting the cameras wet. I came across the memorial to Teddy Roosevelt in the middle of the island. A neat place with a statue of the man and some beautiful fountains, it looks as though the park service neglects this place which makes it more rustic. The ambience suits the vision I have of Teddy… after his tour as President he became the first Vice-President of Audubon so I feel a strong connection to his legacy.
Another day with only local driving.
After our visit, I left Kate as I was anxious to get out of my fancy clothes and into more comfortable shoes. Off to visit the Washington, DC office of Audubon. That is a great office full of interesting and passionate people dedicated to the cause of protecting our planet. Have I mentioned how much I love Audubon and all that our organization does? I met all of the staff but was especially pleased to meet Liz Pomper who is a Facebook friend. Her enthusiasm and smile was a sight for sore eyes. She introduced me to everyone in the office.
We set a date to meet for birding in the morning and then I left to lobby my Senators about strengthening the Global Climate Change legislation while making sure there were habitat protections in the bill. Afterwords I walked around the National Mall photographing the buildings and of course the critters. A family of Great-crested Flycatchers was nesting across from the Hart Office building on the Capitol grounds.
I then drove to Roosevelt Island Park to hike the trail and bird. It was muggy and although the sun was shining it began to pour while I was on the backside of the park. I got soaked but the weather was warm and my only concern was getting the cameras wet. I came across the memorial to Teddy Roosevelt in the middle of the island. A neat place with a statue of the man and some beautiful fountains, it looks as though the park service neglects this place which makes it more rustic. The ambience suits the vision I have of Teddy… after his tour as President he became the first Vice-President of Audubon so I feel a strong connection to his legacy.
Another day with only local driving.
Nature Ali’s Grand Adventure – Day 12, July 1st.
This reststop in Manassas, VA was so needed both Margot and I were exhausted from a break neck pace the previous four days. I just worked on my blog and processed photos while sleeping much of the day. My Aunt Mary Lou and Uncle Ken invited us over for a birthday party (almost two months early) but since we never celebrate together it was really fun. I shared photos of the Kern River Preserve and the adventure so far with them. Then Aunt Mary Lou and I got into a great discussion about our family tree. They are such sweet people; it is always a joy to spend time with them.
Nothing but local driving today.
Nothing but local driving today.
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