Markham Park Bird Walk
Sunday, May 13, 2023 • Markham Park • Report by Michele Louden • Images Courtesy of Betty Hernandez
On the morning of Saturday, May 13, 33 women gathered to explore the nature trails at Markham Park in search of birds and other wildlife offerings at this Broward County location. As we arrived at the parking area, we were greeted by a cacophony of calls of Mourning Doves, Northern Mockingbirds and Boat-tailed Grackles.
Our walk started off at the butterfly garden, which did not disappoint, with its varied species and numbers of butterflies flitting about, enjoying the well-kept garden filled with native plantings. We observed Ruddy Daggerwings, Monarchs, and Zebra Longwings among others as we strolled along the garden path and onwards to the nature trail.
As we made our way along the trail towards the levee, we were treated to clear views of a beautiful male Red-winged Blackbird, a male Northern Cardinal and a Marsh rabbit hopping down the trail.
Northern Cardinal by Betty Hernandez
The view from the levee of the Everglades Wildlife Management Area was spectacular, and it turned out to be the “birdiest” spot for the location. Highlights were Gray-headed Swamphens, Least Bittern, a juvenile Red-shouldered Hawk and nesting Monk Parakeets. On the return to our starting point, the group watched from a distance as a Loggerhead Shrike took food to young ones in its nest, the “awww” moment of the day. We then got into our cars and headed to the final spot in the park, to see the Burrowing Owls hanging out by the airfield.
The Burrowing Owl sighting,however, was not our final hurrah. As a few of us headed to kick back and share a few goodies and some laughter, as is customary at the end of our Phoebes walks, two Swallow-tailed Kites swooped in low over our heads, giving us fantastic looks at what would be our last species observed and added to our list for the day. It was a fantastic way to end a great day with an awesome group.
BIRDS WE SAW
eBird Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S137526466
Mottled Duck
Eurasian Collared-Dove
White-winged Dove
Mourning Dove
Common Gallinule
Gray-headed Swamphen
Anhinga
Double-crested Cormorant
Least Bittern
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Little Blue Heron
Tricolored Heron
Cattle Egret
Green Heron
White Ibis
Swallow-tailed Kite
Red-shouldered Hawk
Burrowing Owl
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Monk Parakeet
Loggerhead Shrike
Blue Jay
Fish Crow
Purple Martin
European Starling
Northern Mockingbird
Eastern Meadowlark
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Boat-tailed Grackle
Northern Cardinal