Trip Highlights

Rain hampered our walk, but a few members stayed on to enjoy the songs of Veery, Red-winged Blackbirds and Grackles. Though there were no ducks in sight, we did see muskrats and lovely Painted Trillium to brighten the walk.

Fourteen Club members, led by John Weeks, toured the Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve, crown jewel of the Granby (CT) Land Trust.  The weather could have been better, but the rain held off, and we were able to find 44 species during our visit.  There were few warblers, aside from summer residents, and no rarities were encountered.  We enjoyed excellent views of Baltimore Oriole, Scarlet Tanager, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Yellow Warbler and Common Yellowthroat; two Virginia Rails and a Barred Owl pestered by an oriole and a Red-winged Blackbird were special treats.  Spring ephemerals such as marsh marigolds, bluets, white violets, wood anemones and fringed polygalas offered touches of color, and two otters cavorting in the pond were a hit with the group. View complete species list below.

At 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, about 20 members of the public joined the Allen Bird Club and the Friends of Fannie Stebbins Wildlife Refuge for an introductory bird walk. This trip was led by Allen Bird Club member Jan Collins, with assistance from Terri Skill, Jim Wang, and Andrea Bugbee. The Friends of Stebbins were represented by Cynthia Sommer and Jim Dorschner, who provided helpful information about the refuge, as well as binoculars to those in need. The Allen Bird Club contributed bird knowledge and two scopes so guests could enjoy the closest views possible.

This trip began at the sign at Bark Haul and Pondside Roads with ambient temperatures of 68 degrees. Participants were introduced to the Allen Bird Club and the Friends of Stebbins, then leaders walked them through a brief tutorial on binocular use. From there, the group set off as a whole down Pondside Road.

Very quickly, the group’s  size, enthusiasm, and varying interests broke the pack of beginners into three or four smaller groups, which were attended by the team of leaders. The many birds visible while walking to the Pondside Pavillion gave beginners ample opportunity to practice with their binoculars, thrill to new birds such as the Baltimore Oriole, appreciate the stunning iridescence of the Common Grackle, learn about the smartphone apps Merlin and eBird, share stories of spark birds from their yards or travels, and meet friendly nature lovers like themselves.

The temperature had risen to a sunny, humid 78 degrees by the end of the walk, and guests shared appreciative, positive feedback before heading home. Thirty-two species were noted in just under two hours.  See complete list below.

It was a perfect spring day to start the first of the Allen Bird Club's series of Wednesday morning walks.  Bird song filled the air.  Before reaching the T on the Bark Haul Trail, we had spotted Yellow-rumped Warblers and seen and heard several Ruby-crowned Kinglets, many with their ruby crowns showing.  A highlight along the trail was finding a trio of Palm Warblers on the ground - like little yellow jewels sparkling in the fresh green grass.  Mallards, Wood Ducks, and a Green-winged Teal were found in the beaver ponds along the way where a single Chimney Swift and a Belted Kingfisher flew over us.  On the Natti Trail we found a Hermit Thrush and heard towhees call back and forth to each other.  White-throated Sparrows sang and scratched about in the undergrowth nearby.  Near the brook, two more migrants, Blue-headed Vireo and Black-and-white Warbler, made an appearance.  A House Wren chattered off the trail as did Blue-gray Gnatcatchers.  Other highlights were two Rusty Blackbirds near the railroad tracks, still lingering here before heading further north, and just below them on the ground was another new arrival - a Northern Waterthrush.  As we neared the parking area on our return, the sweet song of a Rose-breasted Grosbeak, another new arrival, ended our walk on a bright note.  There were 12 participants and a total of 42 species.

Six members of the ABC attended the first-ever field trip to Five Bridge Road/Grand Trunk Trail in Brimfield.  As we were practically surrounded by marsh, the sounds of Red-winged Blackbirds and Swamp Sparrows were constantly present.  The majority of our observations were mostly of permanent residents, species we were all familiar with.  Early spring migrants (and they seem to be getting earlier each spring!) included Eastern Phoebe, Tree Swallow, and Chipping Sparrow.  Singing Purple Finches were heard at two spots, and a Red-shouldered Hawk was seen carrying nesting material.  Blue-gray Gnatcatchers flitted high in the treetops, their buzzy song attracting our attention, as did the ethereal, high-pitched song of the Brown Creeper.  But probably the highlight of the trip were the warblers:  Black-and-white Warblers crawling along tree branches, Yellow-rumped Warblers all along our walk, Palm Warblers flying and landing, wagging their tails, and Pine Warblers singing high in the trees, staying out of sight until finally we saw one to our satisfaction.  The entire species list for the trip is below.