At 08:22 PM 08/22/2009 scott butcher wrote:
I am planning on heading to the Florida from September 27 till
October 8 and want to make it a productive birding trip. Does
any one have advice on what conditions may be like at this time
of year.
Late September/early October is still going to be on the warm
side in south Florida, but probably not unbearably hot like it
would be now. You do need to be aware of the possibility of
there being a hurricane. They'll close Everglades National Park
in advance of any hurricane that may threaten to come through.
I would also appreciate if anyone is aware of good locations
for some florida specialties, Snail Kite, Roseate Spoonbill
etc and advice on the most useful field guide for the state.
There are two location guides that are worth having. The first
is the American Birding Association's _A Birder's Guide to
Florida_ by Bill Pranty. The third edition is the current one.
The other is _Birding Florida_ by Brian Rapoza. It is a little
newer than Pranty's book but doesn't cover as many places. Both
have good sites mentioned that aren't in the other. Rapoza's
book can probably be found by walking into a big chain bookstore
once you get there. Pranty's book would be best ordered in
advance if you can. Otherwise you'll need to look for a store
that sells birding stuff as opposed to a store that sells books
in general. I think the bookstore in Everglades National Park
had it the last time I was there, but I wouldn't want to be
definite about that.
For current sightings of birds in south Florida, check Tropical
Audubon's website -
<http://tropicalaudubon.org/tasboard/index.html>. The people
there should be able to help you with current locations for the
birds you're interested in. You could also choose to subscribe
to the Florida Birds mailing list. or even just read through the
archives - <http://lists.ufl.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=FLORIDABIRDS-L>.
In general, Snail Kites are usually findable along the Tamiami
Trail (which is a road, not a hiking trail) west of Miami. Near
the Miccosukee store is the traditional spot for them, but I've
almost always had good luck at the first place where you can
cross the canal and park too. Where the spoonbills will be is
dependent on water levels.
Any advice on good cheap accommodation close to some of these
birding sites would also be appreciated.
"Cheap" can be hard to come by in Florida. If you're going to
the Everglades, you'll probably want to stay in Florida City or
Homestead. I've stayed at the Travelodge in Florida City on more
than one occasion and their price has been as good or better
than any of the other hotels that are above the
hole-in-the-wall, no services type and the people their have
provided decent service. I've also stayed at a hole-in-the-wall
motel on Krome Avenue in Homestead called the Everglades Motel.
It doesn't have a lot to recommend it other than being less
expensive, but it is considerably less expensive. If you're
going to go down to Key West, the best place I've found to stay
down there is the El Rancho Motel on Truman Avenue.
--
Katrina Knight
Reading, PA, USA
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