After weeks of little rainfall, the skies opened up over night and provided much needed water to Kendall Indian Hammocks Park, just in time for our February 12, walk attended by 35 women. Arriving in the park just after dawn, one could hear the dawn chorus of birds starting their day. Blue-gray Gnatcatchers foraged up and down the Live Oaks for insects, Western Palm Warblers took baths in the parking lot puddles, and American Kestrels perched tall on light posts watching and waiting for a meal to scurry by.

What a contrast there was in the park from one day prior (having scouted the area the day before the actual Phoebes walk). The heavy rains brought back to life the dormant Resurrection Fern living on the Live Oak trees, changing its appearance from shriveled and brown to lush and green. We learned about “commensalism” and the relationship between these two native species. As we walked through the suburban park of nature trails, disc golf courses, baseball fields, and a skateboard park, it was so refreshing to see all the recent native plant beds that were recently planted with the flora thriving.

As luck would have it, the previous night’s torrential rain faded out by morning and the birds were ready to give us a show. For the sunrise of our February walk through Kendall Indian Hammocks Park, the day broke with crisp cool temperatures in the 50’s °F with a moderate breeze. Thirty-two birders showed up eager to immerse themselves into Miami’s nature — WOW, a new record high attendance for Phoebes’ guided bird walks! Things really seem to be rocking for our group!