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Bell's Vireo in west Miramar WCA-- fourth time past 2 weeks
Posted by Ken Schneider
almost 9 years ago
4 Comments
This is the fourth time I have seen Bell's Vireo at this location since October 15th. Never got a clear shot this time, but the face/bill pattern and the distinctive wing markings showed up in different takes today.
Comments
Ken, could you provide directions to access West Miramar WCA? Apologies in advance if you've provided this info to me before.
The West Miramar WCA is the area south of the southern dead end of SW 196th Avenue in Pembroke Pines and the western dead end of Miramar Parkway in Miramar. The graded but unpaved gravel portion of the western extension of Miramar Parkway/SW 196 connects these points. It will eventually be connected to US 27 via an extension of Pembroke Road,
Access points are posted at both ends. The north end has the FPL power substation where the Yellow-crowned Night-Heron rookery was located until finally destroyed by herbicide applications. This side has been posted by a property owner though I think it is a public right-of way where it would be legal to park. A rough trail leads south into the wetland preserve.
We live a few doors from the Miramar gate which is closed to vehicular traffic. However there seems to be no objection to pedestrians who walk dogs and bike in the area. It is possible to park legally along the barrier fence provided you do not park on the lawns which are property of the homeowners association. There is a gap on the right (north) edge of the fence, hidden by shrubs. It has posts to exclude vehicles but it is easy to slip in.
Mary Lou and I walk the area almost every morning when the weather is goo, getting out about 20-30 minutes before sunrise. I saw the Bell's again briefly at about 7:15 AM this morning in the same spot but have to get to an appointment and cut the walk short.
The place where I have seen the Bell's Vireo has been in the same general location all three years. I wonder if it is the same bird each year. It is at the north stub of the SW 196th Canal where it meets the Miramar Parkway extension, south of the berm. The best spot this year has been the vegetation right along the water. Today and once before it was in the company of a White-eyed Vireo, but the Bell's is more active, foraging low to the ground and then up to the top of the Ligustrum shrubs.
Forgot-- I may be contacted at the e-mail ink at rosyfinch.com., or the "Bald Eagles of Pembroke Pines FORUM page. I will be happy to meet anyone and guide them to the spot but it must be early in the morning.
Thanks, Ken. I added the Bell's Vireo to my rare bird update (http://www.tropicalaudubon.org/rare-bird-update). Let me know if the directions are not accurate.
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