After a brief stop at the VC (Parulas, Yellow-thr Warblers, Yellow-thr Vireo), I proceeded to the double dikes to start a couple hour bike ride, beginning about noon. So, in order of occurrence:
The Vermilion Flycatcher remains; it was favoring the double dikes area rather than the fishing pier. I note that there have been scattered reports of Eastern Kingbirds in the panhandle. It seems that the arrival of that species just about coincides with the departure of the Vermilion. If you haven't taken your thousandth image of the Vermilion, time is running out.
A few days ago, the seasonal drawdown of Stony Bayou #1 began. Some flats are now exposed (none were exposed on Saturday) and a Wilson's Plover was already on station, incessantly delivering it's ratchety rattling call (I could not get a visual on it). Also present were several Bl-bellied Plovers, more than several Semi-palm Plovers, and a couple of Dunlin. The tides were not right for shorebirds in the pools, so I suspect SB #1 should be very productive with high tides in the bay and salt marshes.
The Am. Flamingo was present at its favored location on east end of Stony Bayou #2. The time was 1230 if anyone is trying to develop a predictive algorithm for its whereabouts.
The levee along East Stony Bayou provided a brief but good look at a large, dark Bobcat. Watched a bicycling fly fisher catch and release an undersized trout at the Porpoise Creek outlet.
On the home leg of my route on Tram Rd. (105), finally had my FOS Swallow-tailed Kite. In the five years I've been resident in north FL during this season, this FOS is two weeks later than previous years and one month later than last years very early FOS in early Feb. Have others found Sw-t Kites scarce so far this year?
Lots of wildflowers beginning to pop and butterfly activity is up. Not the birdiest day, but a very nice ride.
Matt