Back to the Tomato Fields

Wednesday December 6th

A Crested Caracara dining on a road killed Spotted Skunk along Church Road

After work Wednesday morning, I headed back to the flooded Tomato Fields along Oil Well Road near Ava Maria. The water levels at the Tomato Fields are usually drying up by now, but we still have water and birds. A scope is important here.

Greater Scaup

Mostly American Coots, Mottled Ducks and Blue-winged Teal are present with a few Green-winged Teal on hand.  The numbers of Northern Shovelers had risen, and other water fowl remained a bit sparse. Included A male Greater Scaup a few Lesser Scaup, and a lone Northern Pintail.  A ruddy duck has been reported, but I hadn't seen any. 

Northern Pintail

Also in much lower numbers was a mere eight American White Pelican. Other species seen included Common Gallinule, hundreds of Glossy Ibis, Rosette Spoonbills, and the usual waders. A pair of Bald Eagles are nesting in a tall pine on the back side of the field.

Also made a stop at the two bridges location. Sighted a Snail Kite, Limpkins, Black-belled Whistling Ducks and large numbers of Anhingas and Cormorants.  Had stopped to look for any western kingbirds, but none spotted today.

Lesser Scaup with the male Greater Scaup

Great Crested Flycatcher seen along Oil Well Road

Tricolored Heron seen at the Bridges

White-winged Dove seen along Church Road