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.

Seven members joined the refuge walk this morning and identified a total of 36 species.  See complete list below.

Trip canceled - rain.

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.