Just outside downtown Miami on Key Biscayne is Bill Baggs State Park. This little park packs a lot of punch. It has the oldest structure in Miami-Dade County, a lighthouse, and a nice sandy beach for locals to soak up the sun. And if you're a birder is has a nice variety of migrants passing through.
The Cape Florida Lighthouse was built in 1825. During the Seminole Wars and the Civil War the lighthouse was out of service. In 1878 the lighthouse was dismantled but after many years of dormancy the lighthouse was reinstated in 1978. Below is a photo of the lightkeeper's house. On the front porch were a few burlap bags. Upon closer inspection they were serving as a safe haven for a whole group of iguanas.
Of course Andy and I didn't travel to Bill Baggs S.P. to look at a lighthouse. We came in search of some warblers and we were happily pleased with our returns. Around the lighthouse grounds the birding was supreme. We saw many Northern Waterthrush, Ovenbird, and Worm-eating Warbler. We also flushed a couple of Chuck-wills-widows. This was the best look I've ever had at this bird.
Before the day was over we even saw a few migrants in hand. One of my favorite birds has to be the Black-throated Blue Warbler. Look at that rich blue and tell me you aren't falling in love with this little bird. I didn't rack up any lifer birds but the migrants were steady, the company was great, and another day of birding was accomplished.
For those of you up in the northern climes where I hear the winds are shifting and weather is cooling I hope you can breathe in the warm winds of South Florida. Remember some of us are still experiencing 80 degree days. Soon I'm going to take a little trip up to the Midwest and be in for a rude awakening. Until then, enjoy the blue skies of Biscayne Bay and have a great weekend!
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