Quest for the Bahama Mockingbird

Today I went down to Ft. Desoto to see if I could find the Bahama Mockingbird that had been reported there since last week on the local listserves. It's not every day a rare species shows up so close, so I figured it would be a good opportunity to check a rarity off my list and get to the beach for a bit.

Following the instructions that had been posted, I found my way to the general area, but realized there were 2 possible paths that went into the woods. I took one of them, but it turned out to be fairly short and opened up to the beach again. I ran into another birder there however, and inquired about the elusive Mockingbird. He said it was on the other trail (of course!), and to look for the privet bush with an orange peel on it and lots of purple berries. Easy enough!

I hiked around a while longer but didn't see anything beyond a few Great-crested Flycatchers, Fish Crows, and this Great Blue Heron. So, I turned back and headed down the other trail.

 

Here I found the aforementioned privet bush with the orange peel and berries, but... no Bahama Mockingbird. Another birder was walking down the trail and confirmed this was where it had been seen, but I stayed for a while and it never showed up.

I wasn't too disappointed though. I'm glad I got out for a bit, and afterwards enjoyed a leisurely walk along the beach, watching pelicans and turnstones along the shore. Boy is it great to be back!

Until next time,

Happy birding!