Plainfield

The birding began even before we reached Judy’s property.  On way up South Central Street in Plainfield two Turkey Vultures were spotted in a field next to the road, then a Turkey with 5 chicks in another field, joined quickly by another adult with 9 young.  Once the whole group was joined together, we took a more western trail through forest when a bridge was out, arriving at edge of the big marsh.  A Creeper and 2 Pine Warblers were in a wet area, and Juncos and White-throated Sparrows were found along the trail.  The ponds were low, but productive, with a flying Bittern. Many thought it the day’s best bird sighting. Also there were an Alder Flycatcher, 2 Kingbirds, 2 Swamp Sparrows and a Purple Finch.  In the woods on way back there were 2 Blue-headed Vireo, 2 Red-breasted Nuthatch, a Hermit Thrush singing, more wood warblers and some Purple Finches.  We relaxed on the porch with more refreshments than we earned, served with great hospitality by our host.  There we waited in vain for Evening Grosbeaks, but still we were amused by purple finches at one feeder and a beautiful little hummingbird at another.