North Point State Park Bird Walk

A rainy day - but 33 species in all! 




Two recents arrivals, Tree Swallows and Eastern Phoebes, surrounded us - catching bugs.  We also heard Virginia Rail all along the reeds.

 



Die-hard birders spotting Gadwall, Swamp Sparrow, Song Sparrow, and Hooded Mergansers.



Dead snake along the trail.

One of the many Downy Woodpeckers seen chipping away at the soft bark.  We also saw Flickers, Pileated, and Red-bellied Woodpeckers. 

Normally we could scan for ducks on the Chesapeake Bay, but the fog was too thick.  A Bald Eagle did soar above us.

Timberdoodle Watch

11 people show up for this evening's "woodcock watch." I was worried about what would happen, given the flurries, some wind, the cold, the clouds--not at all ideal. But the woodcocks did not disappoint. Wonderful flight displays right over our heads, birds zooming over and above us, numerous times, zig zagging, making all those cool sounds. And one fellow hanging out in the cut grass next to the field, giving us great views for at least 30 minutes.  - Tim Houghton

Patterson Park Friday Walk

The forecast was for 60 degree weather, but it was only 29 degrees at 8AM.  Robins were busy trying to find a much needed breakfast.  This winter has been hard on birds.





A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is always good to spot.  This tree must be a favorite with sapsuckers.  It was covered with holes.





Crow?  Grackle?  No - one of the many black plastic "bag-birds" littering the park.



Ring-billed Gulls and Mallards.  There were also Ring-necked Ducks, American Woodcock, Carolina Wren, Red-winged Blackbirds, and Song Sparrows near the boardwalk.

Loch Raven Reservoir

8 of us enjoyed wonderful closeup views of a variety of waterfowl at Loch Raven Reservoir on a field trip led by Kye Jenkins. The best spot was btw the dams on Loch Raven Rd. We also enjoyed hiking the trail at the Old Picnic Area. No rarities or unusual birds, however--and a singing golden-crowned kinglet simply would not show itself. Some of the birds affording excellent views: gadwall, am. wigeon, black duck, redhead, ring-necked duck, bufflehead, hooded merganser, common merganser, pied-billed grebe, red-shouldered hawk, bluebird, pileated woodpecker, and sapsucker. Big thanks to Kye for leading a walk greatly enjoyed by everyone.   Tim Houghton

 

 

Mt. Pleasant Farm Bird Walk

White-crowned Sparrow - photo by Kye Jenkins

Participants in today's Chesapeake Audubon field trip to the beautiful Mt. Pleasant Farm in Howard County had a great time--getting over 50 species. The trip can be divided into 3 parts: the first part on the west side was very birdy, with such highlights as Palm Warbler (30+), White-Crowned Sparrow (3), Sharp-Shinned, Cooper's, Wilson's Snipe (2, flyover), Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker, Hairy Woodpecker, and Winter Wren. The 2nd part, in the middle below along the creek, was very very slow. But the last part, on the upper side of the strip of woods on the east side, was very birdy again, with such highlights as Blue-Headed Vireo (2), Junco (2), and Lincoln's Sparrow (1, ditch, upper side of woods strip).  Lots of both Kinglets. 9 sparrow species in all. Cedar Waxwings.

List: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S15442527 .

All Good Birding,

Tim Houghton

(Glen Arm)



Soldier's Delight Bird Walk

Eleven participants in a Chesapeake Audubon field trip experienced the surprise and pleasure of watching a SANDHILL CRANE as it flew east across the power cut as we watched from the south side of Serpentine (white) Trail. 

The birding overall was somewhat slow, but we managed to hit a nice pocket in the more varied bushy and wooded strip at the bottom. We enjoyed the active and singing Pine Warblers, as well as Black-Throated Green, Redstart, and other warblers. Good looks at a Pileated Woodpecker and at a Broad-Winged and a Red-Shouldered Hawk flying near each other. Also Yellow-Throated and White-Eyed Vireos.



Pine Warbler



Very enjoyable walk in a unique environment.

Tim Houghton

Cromwell Valley Park Bird Walk

Fall migration is in full swing and Kye Jenkins led us on a terrific bird walk this morning.  Photos by Fred Brundick.


Catbirds were seen eating berries from Dogwoods and Pokeberries.



Looking for one of the many Red-eyed Vireos feeding and occasionally singing.

Many Ruby-throated Hummingbirds were seen.



Cromwell Valley has an extensive Bluebird trail that is monitored by volunteers.  Numerous adults and first year birds were seen.

 

Kye is in the lead here.  The back woods were quiet, but we did see Blue Jays, a Downy Woodpecker, and Carolina Wrens.

 

Red-bellied Woodpecker






Wingstem was blooming on both sides of the trails.  It is a member of the Aster family, and an important plant for bees.

 


We also noted many beautiful spiders and their webs, including this Garden Spider.

 Other birds seen include Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Chimney Swift, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, American Robin, Chipping Sparrow, Brown Thrasher, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse.   Other birders in the area reported Magnolia and Black-throated Green Warblers.