Phoebes Big Sit 2024

Saturday, October 13, 2024 • AD Barnes Park • Report by Elizabeth Gushee, Images Courtesy of Ana Lima, eBird compiled by Miriam Avello

On Sunday, October 13th, 2024, the Phoebes Birding group gathered in A.D. Barnes Park in southwest Miami for the group’s third annual Big Sit. Over the course of the morning, the Phoebes spotted forty-five species from their strategically placed circle that afforded views of fruiting fig trees, a large pond, and open sky.

American Redstarts, Northern Parulas, and Black-throated Blue warblers were in abundance, lending the fig trees a sheen of glamour from the birds’ bright feathers and their feeding pirouettes. Over the course of the morning, the warblers frequently flew within a foot or two of the circle, providing the Phoebes with a close look at the birds without suffering from “warbler neck.” Other fan favorites spotted in the trees throughout the morning included Magnolia Warblers, Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks, and Eastern Kingbirds; while the pond also proved productive with a chattering Belted Kingfisher, a flock of White Ibis, Great Egret, Great Blue, and Tricolored Herons. As the Phoebes’ Big Sit count neared its end, a Ruby-throated hummingbird zipped into view. This is the third year the Phoebes Birding has participated in the Big Sit, and A.D. Barnes has been a reliable location over the years with 2024 yielding 45 species observed with 161 individuals, 2023 yielding 46 species with 156 individuals, and 2022 with 49 species and 202 individuals; and as always, the Phoebes submitted their checklist to eBird, contributing to community and conservation science and connecting to the world’s largest birding community.