Seth Kellogg
There were 14 teams and 28 observers out in the field the first evening and all the next day. Together they recorded 137 species, an astounding number in this limited area, but average over the last ten years, and three fewer than the total in 2015. As is typical, most common species were near their recent or long-term average, but some were noticeably high or low. There were especially high counts of Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, House Wren, Mockingbird, Northern Parula, Black-throated Blue and Black-throated Green Warblers, and Cowbird. Species found in notably low numbers were Wood Duck, Killdeer, Woodcock, Ring-billed Gull, Nighthawk, Chimney Swift, Willow Flycatcher, Red-eyed Vireo, Tree and Barn Swallow, Carolina Wren, Veery, Blackburnian, Yellow-rumped and Canada Warblers. Some easy reasons for the unusual totals are the cold early May weather delaying or holding up migration, high survival rates from a mostly mild, snow-free winter, and continued long term or recent increases or declines. There were 32 species on the uncommon or rare list (over last 46 years), notably Black Vulture (only 2015 and 2016), Hooded Warbler (5 times, last in 2007), Hooded Merganser (6 years), White-crowned Sparrow (20 years), Sapsucker (22 years), Horned Lark (24 years - first since 2010), and Raven (24 years, first in 1992). Thanks to all who spent many hours in the field, especially Steve Svec, whose 21 hours gave us most of our owl records. May next year give you all more time, more habitat, and more fun sightings.
Click below to view or download complete count results.
Carol Shumway
The stones were silent, but the trees and grounds were full of song and flight as nine participants enjoyed wonderful views of Flicker, Hummingbird, Kingbird, Barn Swallow, Mockingbird, Redstart, Baltimore Oriole and more. We counted a total of 28 species by the time our walk came to an end.
Harvey Allen
Over 20 birders turned out to walk along the rail trail near Station Road in Amherst. While scanning, we suddenly heard, then saw the elusive Virginia Rail ten feet in front of us dashing along the muddy shore. Another prize for the evening was a Woodcock with two young. Other sightings were a singing Orchard Oriole, Kingbird, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Yellowthroat, Catbird, and an eye-level look at a Pileated Woodpecker framed against the setting sun.
Janet Orcutt
Twenty-five participants located 38 species of birds on the second Wednesday morning walk at Stebbins. Gone were the groups of early warblers, replaced by Yellowthroats, Redstarts, Wilson’s, and Yellow Warblers. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and Orioles were flashing their colors and singing emphatically. A group of 16 goslings followed a pair of Canada Geese. The biggest treats of the walk were a pair of Orchard Orioles and a Common Gallinule.
John Hutchison
It was our 65th year for a Mother’s Day excursion through Robinson State Park, a walk plagued by showers that eventually cut the trip short. It was also the earliest possible date and followed up a week of cold, wet weather. Still, over 20 walkers were not deterred, and we managed to find Blue-headed Vireo and Gnatcatchers, several Ovenbirds, and a loud Louisiana Waterthrush. Even louder was the Wood Thrush that sang as we entered the park, the first of several. Catbirds were chortling deep in the bushes and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were singing their sweet melody. Other warblers in the almost leafless trees were Black-and-white, Redstart, three Black-throated Blue, Yellowrumps and Black-throated Greens. A good show was put on by some Black-throated Blue Warblers. A couple of Scarlet Tanagers and Baltimore Orioles crowned our brief venture. When the rain got heavy, hosts Madeline Novak and Steve Perreault offered delicious goodies and warming coffee in their home beside the park. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird at the feeder there was an added feast for the eyes.