Saturday, June 29, 2013

Patterson Park Saturday Bird Walk

Patterson Park Audubon's first walk of the summer was led by volunteer Mike Hudson.  It was a beautiful morning and well attended by regular and new visitors from all ages.  As usual, Mike taught us interesting facts about all the birds we found.  Mike is mentioned in the book Moonbird: A Year on the Wind with the Great Survivor B95, by Phillip Hoose - a very good read about a banded rufa Red Knot that has flown the distance to the moon and halfway back.

On our way down to the Boat Lake, we noticed a House Wren family in the community garden, Great-crested Flycatcher, Chimney Swift, adullt and fledged Robins, an Osprey being chased by an Eastern Kingbird, a Northern Mockingbird perched on top of the Pagoda, and Barn Swallows.
At the Boat Lake, we immediately noticed a sleeping Black-crowned Night Heron.  Muscovy ducklings were hiding in the shadows - it will be interesting to see what they'll look like as adults, since one of the parents is white, the other black.  Red-winged Blackbirds were fighting for territory.  We also noticed Catbirds, Northern Rough-winged Swallows, and molting Mallards. 

The boardwalk at the lake
Patterson Park Audubon's volunteers have been working hard on expanding the native gardens.  Upcoming volunteers dates are July 9, August 3, and Sept. 7th.  Look on our website for details.  The next Patterson Park bird walk will be held on Friday, July 12th at 8AM.  See you there!