Trip Highlights

The group gathered for a morning walk and ended up with 51 species, including twelve warbler species.  Some highlights were Wood Duck (2), Chimney Swift (15), Spotted Sandpiper (2), Great Blue Heron (1), Great Crested Flycatcher and Eastern Kingbird, Tree and Barn Swallows, Chipping, Song and Swamp Sparrows, Baltimore Orioles (7), Northern Cardinal (7), and Rose-breasted Grosbeak (8).  

The warblers were Northern Waterthrush (1), Black-and-white Warbler (2), Common Yellowthroat (2), American Redstart (2), Northern Parula (8), Magnolia Warbler (1), Yellow Warbler (12), Chestnut-sided Warbler (1), Black-throated Blue Warbler (1), Yellow-rumped Warbler (6), Black-throated Green Warbler (5), and Wilson's Warbler (3).

Nine people gathered to enjoy the annual Mother’s Day walk and all had great views of the major birds.  Even though we counted a total of 46 species, I was disappointed with only nine warbler species. We usually have many more, and for the first time ever, Veery and Tanager were not found. The big highlight of the day was a pair of nesting Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers.

Other more common birds included the usual woodpeckers, Red-bellied (8), Downy (4), Hairy and N. Flicker.  There were two flycatchers, E. Phoebe and E. Kingbird, a Brown Creeper, and six Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, House and Carolina Wrens, six Gray Catbirds, Chipping, White-throated and Song Sparrows, and five Baltimore Orioles. The warblers were Ovenbird (6), Louisiana Waterthrush (2), Black-and-white Warbler (3), American Redstart (9),
Northern Parula (9), Magnolia Warbler (1), Pine Warbler (5), Yellow-rumped Warbler (8), and Black-throated Green Warbler (8).  We also spotted seven Northern Cardinals and two Rose-breasted Grosbeaks.

It was a cool morning, 45 degrees and sunny when six members gathered in the morning. The first 100yards from where we parked at the edge of the field were the best.  We had 29 species for the day.  We probably would have had a few more if a more experienced birder was with us.  I’ll try to get Tim to co-lead next year. I know he would have picked up many more.  Highlights were a Chestnut-sided Warbler (so beautiful) and a Wilson’s (one of my favorites)!  We saw multiple Great Blue and Green Herons. Trying to point out the Green Herons was a challenge, as Lake Wallace is more like a swamp out of the Shrek movie, and the little Green Herons just like to blend in.  There were also a ton of swallows all over the fields and the water; Tree, Barn, and Rough-winged (maybe?).

No members found their way to the Rail Trail for this field trip.  I expect COVID risks are keeping participation down for many of these, usually popular, spring offerings.

Six members gathered at Stebbins and garnered a total of 31 species.

We saw many Black-and-white Warblers and Ruby-crowned Kinglets.  Other warblers were Yellow, Parula, Yellow-rumped,and a Black-throated Green, which was a lifer for a few of us.  MJ was able to capture a beautiful photograph of it as well.

We attempted to see the Screech Owl, but he was not having it.  I was able to point out his usual location though for those that did not know.

The star of the day was the beautiful Rose-breasted Grosbeak,who was singing away in the top of the tree with the sunlight hitting it just right!  Perfect view.

The walk finished up around 10:30, but some continued on,birding Pondside Rd for another hour.  An additional 12 species were seen here, including a Belted Kingfisher, a few Great Blue Herons, a Great Egret, and a beautiful Blue-Headed Vireo!

It was a good day, some lifers, as well as some FOY’s.  Everyone seemed happy!