St. Johns Audubon Society - Kingsley Plantation Trip Info

Fort George Island, Huguenot, and Beyond - Century Run!

Trip Summary & Journal Entry
Trip Report: September 30th field trip - Big Day - 109 species ( Review the list - View the photos ) Fort George to Fort George – a Birding Odyssey By Roger Clark On Saturday, September 30, 2006, nearly 30 intrepid birders greeted the dawn at Kingsley Plantation on Fort George Island. Led by myself, Roger Clark, the day’s theme was simple, identify over 100 species of birds - 100 species in a relatively small area. Our work was cut out for us since not one, but two Audubon field trips I led the weekend before could only muster 81 species on both Saturday and Sunday! However the weekend before was hot and stuffy with south winds. For this weekend the weather people forecasted a cold frontal passage on Friday night so my hopes were high for new migrants. The cool front limped through, but without the much anticipated northwest winds and promised lower temperatures. Instead the winds were from the east-northeast and the low for the night was pretty close to 70. Despite this I remained encouraged. The day began well as all three owls were calling frequently. The Barred Owls were howling as I walked the dog at 0600 and a few were still at it as folks started to show up. It probably didn’t help the owls’ love life when I accidentally set off the extremely loud building alarms. Most folks on the field trip did hear the Great Horned Owls (a pair) and a few were able to hear a late calling Eastern-Screech Owl that finally responded to my whistling – probably to get me to stop! Earlier, as I was opening up the dock around 0620, I was pleased to hear the call notes of migrants as they were coming down to earth – a good sign. I could clearly pick out the buzzy flight call of the Veery. By 0710 most folks had gathered around on the Kingsley Plantation grounds and were eager to begin. The tide wasn’t ideal for our Audubon Big Day. It is important to bird Huguenot Memorial Park while the tide is out to ensure seeing as many water birds as possible. High tide was just before mid-afternoon so the plan was to head there as soon as it was clear the land birding was slowing down. We spent a good deal of time out on the bank of the Fort George River, in front of the Plantation House, looking for water birds while waiting for the land birds to become active. The sunrise was beautiful and further enhanced by the hundreds of egrets, storks, ibises and herons flying over the marshes. In the dim light you could pick out a good flight of Barn and Tree Swallows, which lasted well into the morning. A Clapper Rail called and a Belted Kingfisher rattled as someone’s keen eyes picked out a Spotted Sandpiper along the banks. Other species picked off include Roseate Spoonbill, Reddish Egret, Seaside Sparrow, and Merlin. Amazingly there were no Red-winged Blackbirds. We worked our way slowly out towards the Kingsley Slave Quarters, but the land birding was slow. I turned on the sprinklers in the Kingsley interpretive garden hoping it would attract thirsty birds. Just the afternoon before a Yellow-breasted Chat was bathing in a water drenched citrus tree. It was too early for this to be effective, but we did see a female Black-throated Blue Warbler catching an early morning shower. We finally encountered a very active flock of birds that included a crowd pleasing (including the leader) Blackburnian Warbler. Other notable migrants included 2 Chimney Swifts, an Eastern Kingbird, and a Worm-eating Warbler. We left the Kingsley grounds and headed for my house at 0840. I live in a large National Park Service owned house surrounded by maritime forest. Park housing definitely has its plusses and minuses, but the biggest plus in this case is the birding. We left the front gate of Kingsley for the short walk to my house. Along the way we stopped for a very cooperative Magnolia Warbler. We continued to rack up the common species, but folks were wondering when we would see some migrants – so was I. In my experience, it seems that to see over 100 species in the fall it is important to see at least 15 species of warblers. Whether or not this has merit we had work to do! I gathered everyone in my front yard, but wasn’t feeling overly optimistic as we were scanning birdless trees. Spirits lifted a little as we observed insect hawking American Redstarts and a Black-throated Blue Warbler or two. But where were all those nocturnal chipping migrants? It was up to the drip! We all ambled around to our side yard where one can have a good look at not only the surrounding canopy, but my drip and its accompanying water pool. Even if migrants are not at the pool you can bet they are nearby. The birds are attracted from the noise of the water falling into the pool. It is a migrant magnet! Things improved in a hurry as we spotted a Gray Catbird and a Swainson’s Thrush. As we were lining folks up to try to see the Swainson’s I noticed a warbler flock in the trees behind the drip. Attention on the Swainson’s evaporated as I called out “Blue-winged Warbler!” Everyone got at least a decent look at this dazzling male and, like the Blackburnian, was a lifer for many. After checking out a couple Prairie Warblers it was time to go. But wait, the Swainson’s Thrush was at the drip and was extremely obliging. This time everyone got excellent looks! Our next stop was another quick look at the Fort George River waterfront at Kingsley. This tactic worked well the weekend before as we picked up migrating raptors, which can often be seen flying over Big Talbot Island and then Kingsley around mid-morning. It worked again! Not only did we pick up another Merlin, but 3 Peregrine Falcons and 2 Northern Harriers! Harriers yes, but no blackbirds! It was only 1030 but there was no time to bird for migrants around the often reliable Ribault Club. The tide was coming in fast so we all headed over Huguenot. We all parked behind the Huguenot camping store and restrooms (no easy task) and walked to the birding areas from there. This added about a mile, or so, of walking. I guess we could have driven out to the beach, but I was worried about the incoming tide and someone getting stuck. It was a long hike – but worth it! We scoped over the tidal lagoon area and racked up lots of species including Marbled Godwit, Gull-billed Tern (unexpected), and 300 Red Knots. We finally made it to the jetties with the goal of finding Lesser Black-backed Gull. Success! We quickly picked up one immature and two adults. We doubled back and walked a good ways out along the tidal lagoon. At high tide the plovers hunker down in the truck ruts in the sand. We had to keep checking successively further ruts, but finally were able to find a Piping Plover, an important target bird. I was happy there wasn’t a revolt as I kept saying “let’s walk just a little bit farther!” Saved! I didn’t even realize it, but field trippers Kevin and Chris went back to their vehicles, drove them out to us, and managed to make enough room to take all of us back to the store – sweet! We were all, and still are, very grateful! We were doing great on time. It was 1230 as we headed over to the City’s Alimacani boat ramp. Naturally after the Huguenot “death march” folks were good and hungry and were ready to chow down. We enjoyed lunch despite maniacal Boat-tailed Grackles and the lovely wafting odor of some dead creature(s). We checked the marsh behind the picnic area for Red-winged Blackbirds, but none were to be found! There wasn’t much new out on the sand bars despite hundreds of birds loafing at high tide. Before leaving many were able to get a better look at a Gull-billed Tern and I was happy to confirm a Common Tern, which was seen all too briefly at Huguenot earlier. It was early afternoon and some folks had to leave or, understandably, had had enough for one day. Our group dwindled down to a “hardcore” birding nucleus of St. Johns Auduboners - and a few Duval Auduboners too! Before everyone left we tallied our checklist up (species and numbers of each) and were pleasantly surprised to see we already had 89 species! Optimism was high and without further ado the field trip headed inland. Charge! We arrived at the old M&M Dairy site (now a Jaxport industrial area) at 1400. We had been out in the sun for hours, but no one complained as we took another long walk across what is left of the old fields. This once awesome birding site is quickly becoming a jungle of concrete monoliths. A House Sparrow and a Eurasian Starling along the way brought our list up to 91 species. We needed only 9 species to reach 100. Things immediately started to fall into place with Cattle Egret and Red-shouldered Hawk followed by Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Loggerhead Shrike, American Crow, Eurasian Collared-Dove, and Rock Dove (thank goodness Rock Dove wasn’t number 100!). We were one away! Despite missing Red-winged Blackbird and Killdeer we hit number 100 for the day, appropriately, with a flock of Wood Ducks on what is left of the old farm pond. One-hundred and one was a flock of Canada Geese on an industrial pond – perfect! A really beautiful Green Heron was number 102. After failing to find an Anhinga in a nearby pond, and you guessed it, Red-winged Blackbirds we headed back to the cars. Some would say that our goal had been achieved and that it was time to head to the stables, some, but the word quit is not in this group’s vocabulary! We moved on. At 1515 we, minus a few more of our intrepid group, arrived at an upscale housing development a few miles away on Cedar Point Road. Just a year ago this property was cattle pastures, patches of woods, and natural ponds and was a great place to bird. It still has merits, but mainly because of several massive linear ponds, of which the houses are being built along. We took yet another fairly lengthy walk, scattering Palm Warblers along the way, but could only turn up one new bird, Pied-billed Grebe. However, this was important, because it was number 103. Earlier, at the M&M Dairy, Kevin had pointed out that we had 103 species on the St. Johns trip in May and that it would be appropriate to break the record. He was right! We only needed one more bird. Could we find the abundant, but suddenly elusive Red-winged Blackbird? A couple more folks needed to head on home, but we still had a quorum so it was decided to keep on going. I’m telling you these guys are tough! However, it was now after 1600 and surely the field trip would end. NO! People that bird with me from Duval Audubon will tell you that I say the best birds are seen at the end of the field trip. Hmmm, where to go next? Four of us, including myself, arrived at my house on Fort George Island at 1650. Birds were not foremost on my mind at that point, but rather our ancient dog, Ursus (AKA Birdie). She had been inside for a long time and it was time for her walk – as it turned out she would have to wait just a little more. Unlike this morning there was a nice mixed flock of migrants working the front yard oaks. We quickly got down to business and began sorting through them. One by one we were able to pick off many of the species we had seen, in the back yard, earlier that day - oh but there were newcomers. This flock included Acadian Flycatcher (number 104 and the RECORD BREAKER!) and Chestnut-sided Warbler – number 105. After working that flock we moved to the back yard and situated ourselves on my favorite perch, the upstairs deck, where you have a commanding view of the surrounding trees and, most importantly, the drip and pool. A friend told me that it is important for a drip to make a lot of noise as the birds hear and are drawn in. Actually I hate to call it noise as it is one of the most pleasing sounds I can think of. One thing is for certain it certainly is the woodlands water cooler. When we first got up on the deck we were lamenting that more folks hadn’t been able to make it over for the late afternoon warbler rush. At one point we even mused that we would see a Golden-winged Warbler. So there we were scanning the trees and drip. There wasn’t much happening and I was seriously thinking I should go rescue poor Birdie, whose eyes I could feel locked on me from behind the large glass door adjacent to the deck. The drip is an amazing thing though and it is hard to walk away. One second nothing is there and the next second something appears, seemingly from nowhere. Before I excused myself to take her out I took one more look at the drip, even though I had literally done so 10 seconds before. There was a bird. With the naked eye I initially thought that it might be yet another yellowstart – there is always one around the drip during migration. For an instant I was stunned and stared in disbelief. I yelled, in the loudest whisper I could muster, “GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER!!” There sitting out in the open on a stick next to the drip was a magnificent male. It just sat there out in the open, making sure it changed its angles, such as a runway model would, to ensure we saw every last beautiful detail of this remarkable bird. I have birded in many countries, but this guy still gives me goose bumps. We all had goose bumps! It was number 106 and was a lifer for two in our group. Birdie was very grateful to finally get outside and either didn’t seem to mind or notice the ripple in her routine or the big smile on my face. That flock was still working the front yard, this time being led by the morning’s Blue-winged Warbler. One of the most beautiful of all warblers, it was exquisite in the sun drenched canopy and we took a few moments to truly appreciate it. Seeing both “winged” warblers in one day is always sweet. Also lit up in the warm afternoon light was a male Pine Warbler. We scurried back to the deck and were still buzzing about our luck with the golden-winged, but had to get down to business - there were still birds! It was 1815 and the late afternoon/early evening flurry was awing. We had very nice looks at both Northern Parula and Common Yellowthroats. The star however was a drop-dead gorgeous and full breeding-plumaged male Black-throated Blue (you could see every wonderful detail, especially the intricate pattern of black streaking on its back), which was even further enhanced by the big clumps of bright purple Beautyberries it was feeding in. A vivid orange-red Summer Tanager flew by causing a brief stir. We were all very tired, but just when there was talk of leaving the cry of “just a little longer” held us firmly in place. It was crunch time. Another look at the drip, nothing, turn away and then look back at the drip, bingo, an Ovenbird. I’ve seen many Ovenbirds at the pool and they are normally very skittish, but not this one. It sashayed about and we were only too happy to gawk as it strut its stuff. Number 107 brought the warbler list to a decent 16 species for the day. It was now about a quarter to dove time – about 1825. This is the time when all the small land birds go to bed and the doves come in for their nightly drink – always pretty close to sunset. We had been birding for 12 hours. Indeed it was quite still. I was about to let my brain start shutting down when suddenly a smallish warbler caught my eye as it zipped past and into the drip area. I had an inkling of what it might be, but refused to believe it. I put the others on high alert. We all had our bins leveled at the “Golden-winged Warbler” stick, when, my suspicion was confirmed. For the next few moments we enjoyed what is undoubtedly the best look I (or any of us) have ever had at a NASHVILLE WARBLER. It was a phenomenal way to end a long, but totally wonderful day of birding. This was number 108 and the 17th warbler species. It was also a lifer for two of our group – including St. Johns Audubon President Diane Reed! It really was time to go now and as the four birding warriors were exchanging their farewells out front, giddy over the great day of birding; the final species of the day flew over. Amazingly enough number 109 was a flock of Red-winged Blackbirds. It was about time!!
Original Trip Notification and Itinerary
Leader: Roger Clark Date: September 30, 2006 Time: 0730 (field trip will begin promptly!) to afternoon Meeting Place: Kingsley Plantation Parking lot What to Bring: Plenty of water, lunch, snacks, insect spray, binoculars, a scope if you have one and lots of energy Directions: Take your best way to Heckscher Drive (SR105), drive north (towards the ocean), stay on Heckscher to ½ mile north of the St. Johns River Ferry Landing, look for the brown Kingsley Plantation signs, turn left onto Fort George Road (narrow black top), follow signs to Kingsley Plantation parking lot. Late September is the peak of the fall migration and the best time of year to see the widest variety of migrants in northeast Florida. If the weather cooperates for our field trip we can expect to see many species of warblers. A similar field trip held last year at this time turned up 24 species of warblers (27 total for the day) between Kingsley and Roger’s backyard by mid-morning – so brush up on the confusing fall warblers! Just a few of the warblers we will be looking for include Black-throated Blue, Chestnut-sided, American Redstart, Blackburnian, Bay-breasted, Worm-eating, and Ovenbird. Other migrants passing through could include Willow Flycatcher, Scarlet Tanager, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and many more. Yes, this field trip starts a bit early, but the sun rises this day at 7:19 and the migrants will not be far behind. The field trip officially starts in the parking lot at 7:30, but Roger is planning on being in the parking lot and birding by 6:45 (the front gate will be open by 6:30). Feel free to join Roger for the crepuscular rush before the others arrive! Also, importantly, as we strive for 100 species, low tide is at 8:56 and we will want to get to the water birds before the tide gets too high. Bring snacks and munch as we bird! We will start with the beautiful and historic backdrop of Kingsley Plantation. After catching the post dawn activity in the big trees near the plantation house, we will move about the grounds, always keeping a keen eye out for the water birds along the Fort George River. From Kingsley we will walk the 3 tenths of a mile to Roger’s yard, where last September, Roger identified 30 species of warblers and had multiple days of 20+ species. We will finish our morning of birding on Fort George Island at the Ribault Club, another good place for migrants and water birds. We might get lucky and find the Yellow-crowned Night-Heron that roosts behind the club. We will have lunch at the nearby Alimacani boat ramp, where there are shaded picnic tables. This is a good place to see a great variety of water birds, including, Black Skimmer, Royal Tern, Black-bellied Plover, and hopefully some Red Knots. In the past we have had Bald Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, and Merlin right from this spot. Some folks might want or have to leave the field trip at this point, but Roger will be just getting warmed up! For those who can continue on we will venture over to Huguenot Memorial Park (fee). There will seem to be as many people as birds, but a visit here is very rewarding as it is one of the best places in north Florida to find big numbers and rare or unusual water birds. Reddish Egret, Long-billed Curlew, and Marbled Godwit lead the long list of birds we will be searching for. Huguenot is also the best spot in north Florida to find Lesser Black-backed Gulls - up to 80 birds have been seen around this time! After Huguenot we will visit some areas with quite different habitats to round out our list. For those who stay for the whole field trip we will definitely be shooting for 100 species! Century Club or bust! See you on the 30^th. For more information please contact Roger Clark at (904) 251-3537 (during the day) or Diane Reed (904) 829-9854.

Species List & Count This area will contain a listing of the species seen or heard on the trip.
1. Canada Goose 65 2. Wood Duck 8 3. Mottled Duck 2 4. Pied-billed Grebe 4 5. Brown Pelican 20 6. Double-crested Cormorant 12 7. Great Blue Heron 16 8. Great Egret 55 9. Snowy Egret 30 10. Little Blue Heron 18 11. Tricolored Heron 12 12. Reddish Egret 7 13. Cattle Egret 110 14. Green Heron 1 15. Black-crowned Night-Heron 8 16. White Ibis 175 17. Roseate Spoonbill 7 18. Wood Stork 25 19. Black Vulture 32 20. Turkey Vulture 40 21. Osprey 16 22. Northern Harrier 2 23. Red-shouldered Hawk 3 24. Red-tailed Hawk 1 25. American Kestrel 1 26. Merlin 3 27. Peregrine Falcon 5 28. Clapper Rail 7 29. Black-bellied Plover 40 30. Wilson’s Plover 15 31. Semipalmated Plover 125 32. Piping Plover 1 33. American Oystercatcher 3 34. Greater Yellowlegs 1 35. Willet 12 36. Spotted Sandpiper 2	37. Marbled Godwit 1 38. Ruddy Turnstone 30 39. Red Knot 300 40. Sanderling 60 41. Western Sandpiper 85 42. Short-billed Dowitcher 12 43. Laughing Gull 100 44. Ring-billed Gull 8 45. Herring Gull 16 46. Lesser Black-backed Gull 3 47. Great Black-backed Gull 7 48. Gull-billed Tern 1 49. Caspian Tern 45 50. Royal Tern 90 51. Sandwich Tern 25 52. Common Tern 1 53. Forster’s Tern 8 54. Black Skimmer 30 55. Rock Pigeon 40 56. Eurasian Collared-Dove 25 57. Mourning Dove 25 58. Common Ground-Dove 1 59. Eastern Screech Owl 4 60. Great Horned Owl 2 61. Barred Owl 2 62. Chimney Swift 2 63. Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1 64. Belted Kingfisher 5 65. Red-bellied Woodpecker 8 66. Downy Woodpecker 6 67. Pileated Woodpecker 2 68. Acadian Flycatcher 1 69. Eastern Kingbird 1 70. Loggerhead Shrike 1 71. White-eyed Vireo 7 72. Red-eyed Vireo 18	73. Blue Jay 10 74. American Crow 15 75. Fish Crow 35 76. Tree Swallow 35 77. Barn Swallow 65 78. Carolina Chickadee 7 79. Tufted Titmouse 10 80. Carolina Wren 8 81. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 3 82. Veery 4 83. Swainson’s Thrush 1 84. Gray Catbird 1 85. Northern Mockingbird 13 86. European Starling 1 87. Blue-winged Warbler 1 88. Golden-winged Warbler 1 89. Nashville Warbler 1 90. Northern Parula 6 91. Chestnut-sided Warbler 2 92. Magnolia Warbler 2 93. Black-throated Blue Warbler 8 94. Blackburnian Warbler 1 95. Yellow-throated Warbler 1 96. Pine Warbler 3 97. Prairie Warbler 2 98. Palm Warbler 26 99. Black-and-white Warbler 6 100. American Redstart 12 101. Worm-eating Warbler 1 102. Ovenbird 1 103. Common Yellowthroat 5 104. Summer Tanager 2 105. Seaside Sparrow 1 106. Northern Cardinal 15 107. Red-winged Blackbird 25 108. Boat-tailed Grackle 35 109. House Sparrow 3

Trip Photos

Trip leader Roger Clark (in red shirt) with some of the group scanning the Ft. George River for shorebirds at sunrise.


Checking out thermalling raptors; including 3 Peregrine Falcons (and one confused Roseate Spoonbill).


Scanning from the jetties (Huguenot Memorial Park) at the mouth of the St. Johns River...here we are comparing Great Blacked Backed and Lesser Black Backed Gulls in the same roosting flock of larids.


Mini-group shot at the Jetties.


Gulf Fritillary at the old M&M Dairy site off New Berlin Road in Duval County. This location yielded 12 new bird species for our 'Big Day' list, including great looks at an American Kestrel.