Mother's Day Bird Walk at Harford Glen



Our field trip with the Harford Bird Club began by watching a Green Heron carrying sticks to its nesting area.

A pair of Scarlet Tanagers was building a nest.

Blue-grey Gnatcatcher nest.

Mallard with ducklings

Jack in the Pulpit

                                     

Patterson Park Friday Bird Walk



If you haven't been on a bird walk at Patterson Park - be sure to join us during the upcoming spring or summer walks!  Audubon walks are every 2nd Friday and last Saturday of the month.  Redstarts, Black and White Warblers, and Common Yellowthroats were numerous this morning.





We also spotted Swainson's and Wood Thrush, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Black-crowned Night Heron, White-throated Sparrow, Ovenbird, House Wren, Chimney Swift, and many others.  There was an archeology dig occurring near the fountain while an outdoor classroom learned about it.  Be sure to visit the wetland and pollinator gardens that are thriving thanks to the hard work of Patterson Park Audubon and their volunteers.



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)