Trip Highlights

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.

See species list below.

Six members enjoyed at 2.3 mile walk through Fort River refuge getting a total of 31 species.  See complete list below.

Trip canceled - rain.

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.