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Highlands Today

Eastern Phoebe First Banded Bird

Photo courtesy of Archbold Biological Station/Highlands Today

The Eastern Phoebe bird is a winter visitor to Florida and was the first bird banded by naturalist James Audobon.

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By Hank and Ruth Kowalski

Published: September 30, 2007

Welcome to our roost!

Our report to readers, regarding our trip to the Audubon Corkscrew Sanctuary, unfortunately, will not happen.

Inclement weather, predicting strong winds wasn't something our niece, Maureen wanted to contend with driving the motor home; instead, we motored over to the Highlands Hammock State Park and had a wonderful day!

A good lunch at the park restaurant under our belts, gave us the energy to tackle the excellent boardwalk; beckoning us on with a promise of surprises that nature can provide.

Ferns seem to be a particular plant that Maureen is especially intrigued by and the old Cypress trees with their knees popping out everywhere reminded us of the Cypress Tree Museum that once astonished visitors at the facility off of US 27, in Glades County.

There were no Alligators to be seen in the large pool and — believe it or not –– we did not see any birds! A Barred Owl crossed our line of sight near the beginning of the winding road going to the boardwalk, and we did see some Wood Storks hunting in the canals off SR 66.

We took notice of the many plaques secured on the railing along the boardwalk. Most of them were placed in memory of departed relatives. We noted in particular, one in memory of Jim Gose (a well known County Commissioner), another one in memory of Clarice and Don Ford.

They were well known birders with ties to the Air Force Bombing Range where they established and monitored the 100 box Bluebird Trail. The idea of placing memorial plaques on the railing came from the CSO, the volunteer support group, dedicated to helping the park wherever possible. We found that Ann Hardy is a good contact person if you are interested in dedicating a plaque (214-6707).

This report would not be complete if we didn't share a personal event. When we returned to the starting point of the boardwalk, a voice behind us said, "Hi there!, do you come here often?". It was our son, Bob, who we thought was still in New Jersey! He had flown in, rented a car, and by keeping in touch with Maureen via their cell phones, knew exactly where we were! Good thing we have hearts strong enough for shocks---happy ones, that is!

Our featured bird today is the Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe). Other names: Pee-wee, Tick Bird, Bridge Phoebe. This bird does not nest in Highlands County, but is a winter resident, arriving usually in September, departing by the end of March.

During the last Archbold-Audubon Christmas Bird Count, 50 were accounted for in the study area. This bird, approximately 7 inches in length, has a dark, olive-brown head, back of grayish olive-brown, and breast of yellowish white or pale yellow.

The sides are washed with grayish-olive and the bill is blackish. The Eastern Phoebe has a nervous habit of jerking its tail up and down, while watching for insects. These are caught by the same brief sallies, characteristic of flycatchers.

This is a common roadside bird and perches frequently on utility lines and fences and may often be heard calling its name, phee-bee, phee-be. According to our research, this is the first bird to be "banded" in the United States by James Audubon, who tied a silver wire around the leg of a Phoebe and located that same bird the next season, rebuilding its old nest!

We asked for sightings of the Northern Bobwhite and we received some excellent reports! Tom and Beverly Schultz who's property is close to the Royce Unit in Lake Placid, reported up to 10 adults coming and going; but do admit there is a feral cat problem.

Charles and Kay Guldin live near CR64 and the Air Force Bombing Range see the birds and are happy to report Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Cardinals, Blue Jays and Towhees are regular visitors to their feeders. Bea and Dave Buckingham also report seeing Bob-whites "all the time". A few other phone call reports came in, and unfortunately, those reports were accidentally deleted.

Until next time, we ask for your unusual bird sightings or behavior. We wish you happy birding adventures! Don't forget to stop and smell the roses, and peace be with you!

Ruth and Hank live in Lake Placid and are members of the Audubon Society and Ridge Trails Association. They are graduates of the Dr. Reed Bowman Bird Study Course, given at SFCC, and have many years of experience peering through scopes and binoculars, trying to ID that certain bird.

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