Migrating Upland Sandpiper At EAA

A second late summer visit to the Everglades Agricultural Area was rewarding for a handful of species photographed this week.

The Lesser Yellowlegs above (image 1) was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2016.

An early departure from Fort Myers with Bird Patrol volunteer Tom Obrock allowed a near sunrise arrival at the sod fields on Hatton Road just south of FL SR 80 that had been noted to be hosting Upland Sandpipers in good numbers.

The Lesser Yellowlegs above (image 2) was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2016.

The Barn Swallow above (image 3) was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2016.

We were well rewarded for the drive to this location which had been noted by the McQuades days earlier. If I were traveling alone, I would have devoted hours to this venue. After the exhilarating score of the Upland Sandpiper I made the unfortunate decision to travel back to Belle Glade on the main highway.

The Killdeer above (image 4) was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2016.

The Killdeer above (image 5) was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2016.

The smarter move would have been to head back to Six Mile Bend where a flooded field had hosted a Long-billed Curlew the day before. I regrettably did not know this at the time with the daily rare bird alert from eBird published while we were on the road.

The Pectoral Sandpiper above (image 6) was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2016.

The Upland Sandpiper above (image 7) was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2016.

As we had neglected to travel Miami Canal Road on our previous visit to the Everglades Agricultural Area, Tom and I hoped for a view of Barn Owl this week. Tom may have had a glimpse of it as I was more concerned with keeping the car out of the water.

The Barn Swallow above (image 8) was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2016.

The Barn Swallow above (image 9) was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2016.

While missing the owl at the hammock, there was a good sighting of Eastern Kingbird that I chose not to photograph because it was in shade. Ten seconds before the sun re-appeared from behind a cloud the kingbird chose to make its departure. Red-shouldered Hawk of a wide range of age, plumage and non-Florida type were observed after a quick unsuccessful stop at the NW entrance to Stormwater Treatment Area 5 looking for Snail Kite.

The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher above (image 10) was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2016.

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The Yellow Warbler above (image 11) was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2016.

August Avian Migrants At The EAA: Part II

After a very rewarding stop at one of Florida's Everglades Agricultural Area flooded fields on the west side of U.S. Highway 27, Tom Obrock and I continued our travel south toward the King Ranch sod fields.

The American White Pelican above (image 1) was photographed at the Everglades Agricultural Area (U.S. Highway 27) in August 2015.

A good view of several bird species was possible at a much closer range than that seen earlier in the day after an overshoot of the ranch as we went as far south as the towers.

The Green Heron above (image 2) was photographed at the Everglades Agricultural Area (U.S. Highway 27) in August 2015.

The Black-necked Stilt above (image 3) was photographed at the Everglades Agricultural Area (U.S. Highway 27) in August 2015.

The Roseate Spoonbill above (image 4) was photographed at the Everglades Agricultural Area (U.S. Highway 27) in August 2015.

The Roseate Spoonbill above (image 5) was photographed at the Everglades Agricultural Area (U.S. Highway 27) in August 2015.

The Black-bellied Whistling-Duck above (image 6) was photographed at the Everglades Agricultural Area (U.S. Highway 27) in August 2015.

Our arrival at King Ranch offered a similar impression I have had on my previous visits to this venue. I was challenged greatly to get even a diagnostic shot of the wildlife.

The Black-bellied Whistling-Duck above (image 7) was photographed at the Everglades Agricultural Area (U.S. Highway 27) in August 2015.

The Lesser Yellowlegs above (image 8) was photographed at the Everglades Agricultural Area (U.S. Highway 27) in August 2015.

The Black-necked Stilt above (image 9) was photographed at the Everglades Agricultural Area (U.S. Highway 27) in August 2015.

The Gull-billed Tern above (image 10) was photographed at the Everglades Agricultural Area (County Road 880) in August 2015.

The Gull-billed Tern above (image 11) was photographed at the Everglades Agricultural Area (County Road 880) in August 2015.

After a brief stop at King Ranch we continued on toward Brown's Farm Road. More flooded fields south of County Road 880 about halfway toward Six Mile Bend from Belle Glade were enticing to investigate along the way.

The Cliff Swallow above (image 12) was photographed at the Everglades Agricultural Area (County Road 880) in August 2015.

The Black Tern above (image 13) was photographed at the Everglades Agricultural Area (County Road 880) in August 2015.

The Stilt Sandpiper above (image 14) was photographed at the Everglades Agricultural Area (County Road 880) in August 2015.

The Black Tern above (image 15) was photographed at the Everglades Agricultural Area (County Road 880) in August 2015.

The Black Tern above (image 16) was photographed at the Everglades Agricultural Area (County Road 880) in August 2015.

It was in this area southeast of Belle Glade that I was sure we would see at least one Wilson's Phalarope. With the absence of the bird, Tom noted that Vince McGrath would have put us onto the phalarope, among others.

The Semipalmated Sandpiper above (image 17) was photographed at the Everglades Agricultural Area (Brown's Farm Road) in August 2015.

The Common Nighthawk above (image 18) was photographed at the Everglades Agricultural Area (Brown's Farm Road) in August 2015.

The primarily Glossy Ibis above (image 19) was photographed at the Everglades Agricultural Area (Brown's Farm Road) in August 2015.

The Glossy Ibis above (image 20) was photographed at the Everglades Agricultural Area (Brown's Farm Road) in August 2015.

The mixed shorebirds above (image 21) were photographed at the Everglades Agricultural Area (Brown's Farm Road) in August 2015.

Our final stop of the day along Brown's Farm Road was particularly rewarding with thousands of birds in an area more than a square mile divided by accommodating intersecting roads.

The Boat-tailed Grackle above (image 22) was photographed at the Everglades Agricultural Area (Brown's Farm Road) in August 2015.

The Pectoral Sandpiper above (image 23) was photographed at the Everglades Agricultural Area (Brown's Farm Road) in August 2015.

The Green Heron above (image 24) was photographed at the Everglades Agricultural Area (Brown's Farm Road) in August 2015.

The Boat-tailed Grackle above (image 25) was photographed at the Everglades Agricultural Area (Brown's Farm Road) in August 2015.

The Short-billed Dowitcher above (image 26) was photographed at the Everglades Agricultural Area (Brown's Farm Road) in August 2015.

Although the venues along Brown's Farm Road are typically the furthest visited on this trip, I would favor arrival to them at sunrise with perhaps more birds to see that otherwise will have moved on in the late morning hours.

The American Avocet above (image 27) was photographed at the Everglades Agricultural Area (Brown's Farm Road) in August 2015.

The American Avocet above (image 28) was photographed at the Everglades Agricultural Area (Brown's Farm Road) in August 2015.

The American Avocet above (image 29) was photographed at the Everglades Agricultural Area (Brown's Farm Road) in August 2015.

The 4 August EAA trip this year was a little early for Upland Sandpiper which Tom advised me was reported on 16 August.

The Solitary Sandpiper above (image 30) was photographed at the Everglades Agricultural Area (Brown's Farm Road) in August 2015.

The Wood Stork above (image 31) was photographed at the Everglades Agricultural Area (Brown's Farm Road) in August 2015.

Please also see August Avian Migrants At The EAA: Part I
Please also see Cooper's Hawk vs. Swallow-tailed Kite

Conspicuous Rails Near Lake Okeechobee

The anticipation of seeing some very interesting wildlife at the Everglades Agricultural Area near Lake Okeechobee was met at sunrise on my annual late summer pilgrimage to the EAA.

The Black-necked Stilt above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The highlight of this trip for me was observation of a species of bird called King Rail seen for the first time, or a lifer.

The King Rail above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The King Rail above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The King Rail above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The King Rail above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The King Rail above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

As has been the case with all species of rails I've observed thus far in Florida, good views of them counter their reported secretive behavior.

The King Rail above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The King Rail above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Barn Swallow above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Black-necked Stilt above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Tricolored Heron above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The rails sometimes offered difficult views considering their location and behavior while King Rail observation this year was unexpected and a boon for 2013.

The Least Bittern above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Least Bittern above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Black-bellied Whistling-Duck above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Barn Swallow above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Black-necked Stilt above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

A recently reported Black Rail in Florida, the smallest rail, and the bird's call unexpectedly made at night, makes observation of this species for me unexpected.

The Lesser Yellowlegs above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Lesser Yellowlegs above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Lesser Yellowlegs above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Lesser Yellowlegs above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

Tom Obrock was welcome and joined me for some great birding with his report of this 9 August 2013 trip that can be seen as well at his blog.

The Mottled Duck above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Mottled Duck above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Lesser Yellowlegs above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Snowy Egret above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Snowy Egret above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

Tom has made this trip many more times than I have, and was very helpful in advising rewarding stops along the way.

The Least Tern above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Least Tern above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Least Tern above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Short-billed Dowitcher above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Black Tern above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

Yellow-crowned Night-Herons were among the first birds observed, but were insistent in not having their photographs taken in a great environment for them.

The Black Tern above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Glossy Ibis above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Wood Stork above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Wood Stork above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Wood Stork above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

Driving through the area for my third year of study at specific times close to this time of year, I found certain places nearly unfamiliar.

The Black Tern above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Glossy Ibis above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Least Tern above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The European Starling above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Belted Kingfisher above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

As this is an agricultural area, it was observed that good rotational practices are taking place.

The Belted Kingfisher above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Pectoral Sandpiper above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Pectoral Sandpiper above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Lesser Yellowlegs above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Florida White Butterfly above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

Sugarcane and grass, aptly sod, are the most abundant crops in the area which attract different species.

The Least Sandpiper above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Least Sandpiper above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Black-bellied Whistling-Duck above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Black-bellied Whistling-Duck above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Black Tern above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

It was a thrill to observe everything, often at a distance not best for photography, with some images presented here cropped heavily.

The Mottled Duck above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Red-winged Blackbird above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Black-necked Stilt with Glossy Ibis above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Black-bellied Whistling-Duck above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Green Heron above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

If you're visiting Florida at this time of year, or are here year round with an inclination to travel, the Everglades Agricultural Area is a must visit place.

The Black Tern above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Turkey Vulture above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Turkey Vulture above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Turkey Vulture above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Cattle Egret above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

On the way back to the Gulf Coast, Tom and I stopped along the highway for a posing Crested Caracara before arriving at Dinner Island Ranch for a quick drive through.

The Turkey Vulture above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Turkey Vulture above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Cattle Egret above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Barn Swallow above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The juvenile Eastern Kingbird above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Farm Bill remains an ongoing unmitigated disaster and greasy wheel.

The juvenile Eastern Kingbird above was photographed at Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Crested Caracara above was photographed near Everglades Agricultural Area in August 2013.

The Red-shouldered Hawk above was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch in August 2013.

The Red-shouldered Hawk above was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch in August 2013.

The Red-shouldered Hawk above was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch in August 2013.

Additional information about the Everglades Agricultural Area from my previous visits may be found pressing here.

The Red-shouldered Hawk above was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch in August 2013.

The Red-shouldered Hawk above was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch in August 2013.