Beginner Bird Walk at Stebbins Refuge

On Saturday, May 2, the Allen Bird Club once again joined with the Friends of Fannie Stebbins Memorial Wildlife Refuge to offer a beginner bird walk to anyone curious about birding or wanting to improve their basic birding knowledge. Of the eight participants, some were newer Allen Bird Club members while others were members of the public. The Friends of Stebbins had binoculars to loan, which were much appreciated.  

Allen Bird Club member Jan Collins led the trip, with assistance from fellow club members Andrea Bugbee, Faith Wang, and Jen Falcone. Jen Falcone represented the Friends of Stebbins as well.

The field trip began with introductions of leaders and participants, as well as introductions to the amazing Stebbins Refuge and the equally amazing Allen Bird Club. A brief explanation of what birds we might see, as well as how to use binoculars, followed. Multiple members commented that the binocular primer was helpful.

It was 54 degrees at the 8 a.m. start, immediately following an early morning of steady rain. The cool, damp weather slowed birding at first, but avian activity increased with the rising sun and warmer temperatures. With binoculars, participants were able to see Red-winged Blackbirds displaying, a showy Red-bellied Woodpecker, graceful Wood Ducks, and many, many Yellow-rumped Warblers darting along the edges. Additionally, some participants got their first looks through a spotting scope. Their most common response was, “Wow.”

Other highlights of the morning included a mother Canada Goose with three goslings, a Great Blue Heron stealthily hunting, a Yellow Warbler darting low across the road, and a Double-crested Cormorant showing his crests and his emerald-green eyes.

The walk ended at the viewing pavilion on Pondside Road where participants viewed the Osprey nest on the cell tower and a Mute Swan displaying, all while Tree Swallows darted for insects over the water. Participants left with appreciative thank yous and, hopefully, a new hobby to pursue for many years to come.

We saw or heard 30 species in all. Click below to view the list.