Bird Board
Birding in Bill Baggs Cape Florida SP
This morning I had a very fruitful discussion with new park management regarding accessibility. With the current La Sagra's Flycatcher (it prefers unauthorized areas!) as the focal point of our talk, the topic expanded to include all aspects of accessibility. Management is committed to facilitate visitors' interest in the park's natural resources. Birders may use trails and service roads posted as "Authorized Personnel Only" to chase a reported rarity or to poke around. Management asks that birders adhere to 3 common sense basics:
1) Be very careful around equipment, debris and dumpsters.
2) Do not access areas marked as "DO NOT ENTER" or "No Trespassing"
3) Please respect the resident rangers' privacy.
Management also encourages birders to tell rangers when they walk these interior trails and to use playback to attract birds sparingly, with respect for the birds and for other birders.
Attached is a Google Earth map showing sightings of the La Sagra's Flycatcher. The residential area is circled on the map.
Comments
Thanks Robin!
Robin, you are the best, thanks!!!
What a wonderful gesture.
Thank you Robin.
Many thanks go to John Weigel and Laura Keene, who provided the catalyst on Friday for my discussion with management on Saturday. As 2016 Big Year birders in first and third place, respectively, they chased the La Sagra's Flycatcher and while doing so, were impeccable ambassadors for the birding community. The flycatcher was #778 for John and #753 for Laura. Both have already broken Neil Hayward's 2013 record and each has 2 additional provisional birds, including the Cuban Vireo.
John's very interesting blog is at: www.birdingfordevils.com and Neil Hayward's book _Lost Among the Birds: Accidentally Finding Myself in One Very Big Year_ is excellent.
Robin, you are too generous, and I know how hard you've worked for this outcome. Full credit to you, where it belongs! I certainly enjoyed meeting you, and am blown away by the dedication you have displayed over the years studying and monitoring the fauna of that fantastic park. Your reputation had preceded you when Laura, Dave and I met you. I think the La Sagra's Flycatcher was number 776 for me - sorry if I inadvertently exaggerated - probably can't 'let go' of a couple of very painful near-misses! After seeing you on Thursday, I made it to Anchorage and beyond to see the Pine Bunting on St Lawrence Island on Saturday. Whew.
Best wishes,
John Weigel
Thank you, John, for your very kind words.
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