Bird Walk at Cromwell Valley Park

During the CAS field trip this morning, Denis Muller and I found a Vesper Sparrow at 11:30 in the field behind the kiln, first seen along the path and then perched on a branch--not far from the big tree (a sycamore) that stands alone (with a picnic table). I had probably seen it earlier, around 7:30, but didn't get a good look then. We had 57 species, and a lot of work and time yielded 11 warbler species. 
Some notable finds:

1. VESPER SPARROW (1, we got all the field marks, larger, white outer tail feathers, eye ring, streaking on chest and head, outlined cheek patch)

2. Warbling Vireo (2, late on eBird but probably normal for here)

3. Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker (6, 4 in one tree)

4. Philadelphia Vireo (1)

5. Ruby -Crowned Kinglet (10+)

6. White-Throated Sparrow (1)

7. 11 warbler species (ovenbird, blacknwhite, yellowthroat, redstart, parula, magnolia, blackburnian, chestnut-sided (Dennis), black-throated blue, yellow-rumped (fos), black-throated green)

http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S19957031 

Best Birding Wishes,

Tim Houghton

(Glen Arm)

 

Enjoy the following photos by CAS board member Fred Brundick:

 

 

 

Bird Walk at Ladew Gardens

Twelve of us had a good time in perfect weather to bird Ladew this morning, and Ladew was birdier than normal (the Nature Walk in the back). Some of the birds below, with highlights in caps (46 species total):

Warblers (9):

Black-and-White (1)

Yellowthroat (x)

Redstart (5)

Parula (1)

Magnolia (5)

YELLOW (1)

Chestnut-Sided (1)

Black-Throated Blue (3)

Black-Throated Green (7, too bad they didn't sing this fall)

Others:

GREAT CRESTED FLYCATHER (1, late)

PURPLE FINCH (1, found by Kye J.)

Bald Eagle (1, adult)

Hairy Woodpecker (1)

White-Eyed Vireo (1, heard)

Ruby-Crowned Kinglet (1)

Scarlet Tanager (2)

RB Grosbeak (1)

Afterwards, we enjoyed an outdoor lunch at the Cafe and birded there a bit, too--and got the eagle there.

http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S19895725 .

Best Birding Wishes,

Tim Houghton

(Glen Arm)

 

Our walk was enhanced by the beautiful goldenrod

Fantastic "rock snake"

White Turtlehead found near the pond on the Nature Walk

Near the café

The butterfly house is closed for the season, but you can peer in from the outside.

 

Canoe Trip at Robert E. Lee Park

Beautiful morning for a serene paddle on Lake Roland. The scenery was lovely, the water was smooth and the company was stellar. Added some photos, bird list is below.
1 Canad...a Goose
4 Wood Duck
4 Mallard
2 Double-crested Cormorant
1 Great Blue Heron
1 Bald Eagle
1 Red-shouldered Hawk
1 Killdeer -- Heard
6 Mourning Dove
35 Chimney Swift
4 Belted Kingfisher
4 Red-bellied Woodpecker -- Most heard
3 Downy Woodpecker
5 Northern Flicker
1 Pileated Woodpecker -- Heard
1 Red-eyed Vireo
10 Blue Jay
5 American Crow
1 Barn Swallow
15 Carolina Chickadee
4 Tufted Titmouse
5 Carolina Wren
3 American Robin
20 Gray Catbird
1 Northern Parula
1 Black-and-white Warbler
4 Northern Cardinal
1 American Goldfinch -- Heard

Hugh Simmons