Peaceful Waters Sanctuary Field Trip
Saturday, March 16, 2024 • Peaceful Waters Sanctuary • Report by Andrea Diamond, Images Courtesy of Ana Lima
Nineteen women gathered on a bright sunny morning for an enchanting bird walk at Peaceful Waters Sanctuary in Wellington, Fla. We strolled the berms and boardwalks of the sprawling wetlands complex, observing 66 species in a few short hours!
One of our first sightings was the Wilson’s Snipe, a typically secretive shorebird that delighted the group by strutting out in the open for great views and photo ops. The next bird we observed, also a typically elusive species, was the Sora, and it too also eventually came out into the open for everyone to get good looks.
We then headed to a group of massive bushes near a large retention pond to find the femaleBufflehead, a lifer for many. We also observed 2 Wigeons — a beautiful male and female sitting on the berm between the two retention ponds. There were more Wigeons swimming in the duckweed. We also saw a pair of Wood Ducks, which are always popular due to their striking colorful plumage.
The Solitary Sandpiper we observed was a treat to see, notable for its eye ring spectacle. An abundant number of herons and egrets that one would typically observe at this location were present and as we wound down our walk, a Roseate Spoonbill flew onto the berm near my car, delighting us with its pop of pink.
In addition to the many bird species we saw, we also observed an otter swimming in the interior ponds and about 5 marsh rabbits. We ended our walk by the Purple Martin houses and saw that the birds seemed to like the new white gourd houses. There were no chicks yet the adults are still nest-building and congregating with that special attitude they have. After the walk, 12 of us gathered for lunch under the shelter. Everyone brought food to share and we had a great time with wonderful conversation while getting to know each other better. I want to sincerely thank everyone who came out. It’s an hour and 20 minute drive from Miami. So we had to all wake up around 5AM. But it’s a beautiful and “peaceful “ place with lots to see. I hope everyone agreed with me that the drive was well worth it.
BIRDS WE SAW
Eurasian Collared-Dove
White-winged Dove
Mourning Dove
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Sora
Common Gallinule
American Coot
Purple Gallinule
Gray-headed Swamphen
Limpkin
Black-necked Stilt
Wilson's Snipe
Solitary Sandpiper
Lesser Yellowlegs
Ring-billed Gull
Wood Stork
Anhinga
Double-crested Cormorant
Brown Pelican
Black-crowned Night Heron
Little Blue Heron
Tricolored Heron
Snowy Egret
Green Heron
Western Cattle Egret
Great Egret
Great Blue Heron
White Ibis
Glossy Ibis
Roseate Spoonbill
Black Vulture
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Red-shouldered Hawk
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker
Peregrine Falcon
Monk Parakeet
Eastern Phoebe
Loggerhead Shrike
Blue Jay
Fish Crow
Purple Martin
European Starling
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Boat-tailed Grackle
Black-and-white Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Northern Parula
Palm Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Northern Cardinal