Trip Highlights

Fall was definitely in the air.  The morning began with temperatures in the mid-40's and a breeze moving the leaves about in the trees.  Hundreds of Redwings were flying out of the swamps as the birders were waiting for the walk to start.  We drove on to the new parking area and walked the field edge, then dropped down onto some new trails nearer the river, hoping for migrants.  They were obviously elsewhere, as the wooded area was mainly quiet - only the usual chickadees, titmice, and catbirds sounding off.  We did have Semipalmated Plovers along the river.  Back along the field edge, Common Yellowthroats and a single Magnolia Warbler popped out.  We did take the time to enjoy the abundant fall wildflowers and spotted a Praying Mantis (unfortunately deceased) and several butterflies.  Our final stop was the sandbar - two adult Bald Eagles claimed the area.  Once they flew off, we found Great Egrets, and a Great Blue Heron, but alas no other shorebirds.  There were 5 participants and 33 species identified.

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Six members gathered for our Arcadia walk yesterday.  The weather was perfect,  pleasantly cool and sunny.  During the 3-hour walk, we identified a total of 44 species.  The highlight of the day for the group was a nice flurry of bird activity early in the vine-covered bushes near the solar panels.  There are plenty of berries of all types in that area, and the birds were taking full advantage of a yummy breakfast.  We looked at the marsh from the tower for the two Sandhill Cranes that had been around recently, but could not find them.  We did find one very special bird, a Philadelphia Vireo.  Unfortunately, it was only well-observed by one leader, with the other leader getting just a fleeting glance, and the rest of the group no sighting at all.  

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Five members gathered for an evening walk on the trails at Stebbins Refuge.  The weather was in the low 70s and winds were 4 mph from the south.  A few birds showed up for the event that was held in their honor.  One highlight was a late flyover that appeared to be a Great Egret.  It is not included in the species list, because we were not certain of our identification.  See below for species list.

Canada Goose

Mute Swan

Wood Duck

Mourning Dove

Green Heron

Great Blue Heron

Cooper's Hawk

Gray Catbird

European Starling

American Robin

Song Sparrow

Common Grackle

Seven members of the Allen Bird Club gathered at Fannie Stebbins Wildlife Refuge on a mid-September morn.  For most of our trip the woods were alarmingly quiet, devoid of the usual birdsong we were all familiar with.  There were the common species, such as Blue Jay, American Robin, and Gray Catbird, sounding off; but where were the warblers?  

As we headed east on the Natti North Trail, we finally encountered a flock of warblers high in the canopy.  These birds were quickly flitting back and forth among the leaves, making for some difficult observing.  We managed to identify Yellow-rumped Warbler and American Redstart; we were left wondering where other migratory species could be.

Approaching our cars at the end of Bark Haul Trail two Green Herons graced our exit, and a smaller group of us observed Spotted Sandpiper at the sandbar.

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It was a beautiful day on the hill with birders coming and going throughout the day.  Hazy sunshine with gauze-thin clouds slowly gave way to thickening high-altitude stratus clouds for our hawkwatch. A light ENE wind shifted to SE then SW, never exceeding 7 mph. Temperature range was 62-72 degrees F during the day.

Given the wind direction(s), I expected a disappointing flight, and my expectation was not disappointed. The largest kettle comprised only 15 Broad-wings. Also counted were 2 Osprey, 5 Sharp-shinned Hawks, 2 Cooper’s Hawks, and 1 American Kestrel.  Not counted as migrants were 2 Black Vultures, 2 Turkey Vultures, adult Bald Eagle, Cooper's Hawk (local), 2 Red-shouldered Hawks, and Red-tailed Hawk.

Other species identified throughout the day were Mourning Dove, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, 3 Chimney Swifts, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pile-ated Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, Blue Jay, American Crow, 2 Common Ravens, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, 9 Cedar Waxwings, and 2 American Goldfinches.  There was one (!) skulking warbler, who refused to show ID. We also counted 11 monarch butterflies and the first spotted lanternfly (horrors) on Blue-berry Hill.