Florida Specialties: Mangrove Cuckoo, Snail Kite, Limpkin, Muscovy Duck and Painted Bunting

[SW Florida. April 2017]

Southwest Florida is renowned for its many avian marvels that attract keen interest from birders all over the US as well as internationally. We must acknowledge, however, that, in classic Orwellian double-speak, while all birds are special, some are indeed more special than others! 

This fact cannot ring truer than in consideration of the fabled specialty species of Southwest Florida: iconic birds such as Swallow-tailed Kite, White-crowned Pigeon, Smooth-billed Ani and Short-tailed Hawk and more. 

A Spring visit to SW Florida afforded this blogger an opportunity to reacquaint himself with the many compelling reasons why SW Florida is such a magnet for birders seeking species that are best observed here than anywhere else in the country -- species such as:

• Mangrove Cuckoo
• Snail Kite
• Limpkin
• Muscovy Duck
• Painted Bunting

We start with the elusive Mangrove Cuckoo -- found nowhere else in the US except S. Florida:

The grey crown, black eye mask and buffy underside help distinguish this species from its commoner cousin, the Yellow-billed Cuckoo. This particular individual was observed at Bunche Beach where this blogger was amazed to witness the Cuckoo out in the open actively being observed by 3 other mesmerized onlookers!

Next up is the Snail Kite -- found extensively in South and Central America, it's only foothold in the US is in Florida:

The Limpkin has two things in common with the the Snail Kite -- it is exclusive to Florida in the US and feasts on a diet of Apple Snails.

Both the Snail Kite and the Limpkin were observed at Harns Marsh, a venue profiled extensively by acclaimed naturalist and photographer, Bob Pelkey. 

Also at Harns Marsh, was this peculiar waterfowl:

Muscovy Duck is found in the American tropics, and while it does range as far North as S. Texas, there are feral populations in the US -- especially, Florida.

Finally, Painted Bunting, while not exclusive to SW Florida, is a common sight here and can be observed at hotspots such as Corkscrew Swamp:

We end this post with a Bonus Feature on common raptors of SW Florida:

Bald Eagle (observed in flight at Corkscrew; an immature at Harns):

Red-shouldered Hawk (also at Corkscrew):

And, the Osprey -- a killing machine of unparalleled grace and beauty:

This Osprey with its massive talons was observed at Carlos Point/Little Estero CWA.

Birders have no shortage of choices when it comes to birding hotspots in the US. Every state in the country has something unique to offer; but, for those looking for an eclectic mix featuring secretive cuckoos, colorful finches, rare raptors and wattled ducks, there is no place like SW Florida!

Extra-Ord-inary Highlights from Mt. Ord: Grey Vireo, Scott's Oriole and Painted Redstart

[Mt. Ord. April 2017]


Named after Maj Gen Edward Ord (who led a distinguished career as a soldier during the Civil War), Mt. Ord stands over 7,000 ft tall at the intersection of Maricopa and Gila counties in Arizona's Mazatzal mountain range within Tonto National Forest.

An ascent to the summit honors not just the mountain's namesake, but also affords the opportunity for the intrepid birder to get acquainted with the unique birdlife of the area -- featuring species such as:

• Black-chinned Sparrow
• Grey Vireo
• Scott's Oriole
• Grace's Warbler
• Olive Warbler
• Painted Redstart
• Summer Tanager

We start with the distinctive sparrow of arid foothills of the Southwest -- Black-chinned Sparrow:

With its "spinning coin" song, grey body, rufous wings and black chin, this is indeed an unforgettable sparrow.

Much plainer is the Grey Vireo. A species whose maiden sighting was enjoyed by this blogger on this occasion. Vireos are perhaps relegated to "second class citizens" in juxtaposition to our much more colorful warblers, yet it is the interminably cheerful songs of our vireos that are a true harbinger of Spring.

And the Grey Vireo, although modest in looks, is a cheery songster:

Scott's Oriole: A dramatic lemon-yellow and black, Scott's Oriole looks like a giant goldfinch singing the sweet whistled notes that are typical of Orioles:

Grace's Warbler -- Unlike many of our flashy warblers, the subtle shades of grey, white and a yellow throat lend a graceful look to this Southwestern specialty:

Both the Grace's and the Olive Warbler were found in the upper reaches of the mountain where they regaled the observer with their swift movements and fine song:

One of the flashiest warblers of the Southwest, the Painted Redstart also brought a dash of color to the forest:

The ensuing chorus of warblers, orioles and vireos was enjoyed by all denizens of the forest; including this female Summer Tanager:

In the desert, mountains are an oasis not only of cooler weather and greenery but also of hidden avian gems such as the Grey Vireo, specialty Southwestern Warblers and Scott's Oriole. And, a perfect place to enjoy these delights is the stunning peak of the Mazatzals -- Mt. Ord.

Magee Marsh: All the Rest

[Magee Marsh. May 2017]

Were this blogger to be accused of a pronounced (some might even say "obsessive"?) bias toward warblers, the accusation would be surely met with an acquiescence tantamount to sweet agreement. This is one accusation to which the only response is a joyful "guilty as charged"! 

Indeed, this bias is borne unashamed and its energy channeled into the glorious study of all North American warblerkind -- in passage, at their breeding grounds, in recognizing and learning their songs, observing their natural history and understanding their ecology. Surely, no other avian subject offers the prospect of such endless fascination and satisfaction. 

Yet, while warblers may be the stars of Spring migration; they are not exclusive in deserving photo-documentation of their passage at Magee Marsh. And, in this post, we offer a selection of the "non warblers" to excite and enthuse the reader:

1. Blackbirds
• Baltimore Oriole
• Common Grackle
2. Thrushes
• Wood Thrush
• Veery
• Grey-cheeked Thrush
• Swainson's Thrush
• American Robin
3. Vireos
• Red-eyed Vireo
• Warbling Vireo
4. Flycatchers
• Great Crested Flycatcher
• Trail's Flycatcher
5. Others
• Cedar Waxwing
• Blue-Grey Gnatcatcher
• Ruby-crowned Kinglet
• Downy Woodpecker

We start with the Icterids or New World Blackbirds:

Baltimore Oriole -- the male is a beautiful flame-orange; followed by a duller female:

Common Grackle -- cruelly considered by the insensitive as a "trash bird":

The Thrushes starting with our very own harbinger of Spring:

Grey-cheeked Thrush:

Swainson's Thrush -- note buffy spectacles:

An obstructed Veery:

And, the wonderful Wood Thrush:

Vireos -- beginning with Red-eyed:

And the drab-in-looks but spectacular-in-song, Warbling Vireo:

Flycatchers -- first, a Trail's Flycatcher:

Great Crested Flycatcher:

And all the rest: Cedar Waxwing:

Blue-grey Gnatcatcher:

A tiny woodpecker -- the Downy:

And, the Ruby-crowned Kinglet:

As birders, it is but natural to harbor preferences and develop affinities for particular species or groups of species to which no universal consensus might accrue; but as naturalists, we come to the clear realization that what _is_ incontestable, however, is that in the splendid cornucopia of avian life, there is an equal role to all species in maintaining a marvelous and harmonious ecological balance in Nature. 

And, while warblers may indeed offer color, song, and splendor in migration, the contemplative birder will no less be enthused by our many thrushes, flycatchers, vireos and others that bring such wonder and amazement in their own right.