Sunday Walks | hamptonroadsbirdclub

Sunday Morning Bird Walks

Newport News City Park

Join us on the First and Third Sunday of each month at 7:00 AM at Newport News Park.

Meet us in the parking lot behind the Ranger Station!

Thanks to Jane Frigo for providing these reports. For more information, contact Jane (757-873-0721).

2021 Bird Walks Summary

November 21, 2021

Happy Thanksgiving! November 21, 2021 was a perfect beginning to the holiday week. Although the temperature was a chilly 45 degrees, winds were totally absent making it quite comfortable. The reservoir was like glass with just a faint fog beginning to rise. Those participating in the morning walk were John and Marilyn Adair, Pete and Charm Peterman, Heidi Young, Shawn Dash, Dianne Snyder, Cindy Schulz, Stuart Sweetman, Melissa Freudenberg, Sue Tomlin, Tom Charlock and Jane Frigo. The group identified 48 species. A single Canada Goose was spotted tucked among the foliage on the way to the Swamp Bridge. Kinglets were quite abundant providing great opportunities to see both Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned varieties. A pair of Kingfishers were busy chasing each other along the banks. The juvenile Red-headed Woodpecker was spotted again on the trail to the Swamp Bridge but no sign of the Barred Owl. Probably the best sighting was of a group of Rusty Blackbirds at the Swamp Bridge. They stayed perched for a while but eventually came down to the water to bathe, giving everyone a chance to study their plumage and eye color. A complete list of species seen follows.

Canada Goose

Mallard

Pied-billed Grebe

Double-crested Cormorant

Great Blue Heron

Black Vulture

Turkey Vulture

Bald Eagle

Red-shouldered Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk

Laughing Gull

Ring-billed Gull

Mourning Dove

Belted Kingfisher

Red-headed Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Downy Woodpecker

Northern Flicker

Pileated Woodpecker

Blue Jay

American Crow

Carolina Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

White-breasted Nuthatch

Brown Creeper

Carolina Wren

Winter Wren

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Eastern Bluebird

Hermit Thrush

American Robin

Northern Mockingbird

Brown Thrasher

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Chipping Sparrow

Song Sparrow

Swamp Sparrow

White-throated Sparrow

Dark-eyed Junco

Northern Cardinal

Red-winged Blackbird

Rusty Blackbird

Common Grackle

Brown-headed Cowbird

House Finch

American Goldfinch

November 7, 2021

The return to standard time gave everyone an extra hour of sleep except for those who forgot to turn back their clocks. November 7, 2021 still began with overcast skies, strong winds and temperatures remaining in the 50's causing everyone to put on coats and some to pull out hand warmers. Those participating in the morning were Melissa Martin, Marc Nichols, Pete Peterman, Stuart Sweetman, Heidi Young, Tom Morocco, Sue Tomlin, Hannah Montalvo, Jane Frigo, Marilyn and John Adair and first timers Marsha Holberg, Rob Nichols and Maureen Zaino. The group identified 52 species. First of season birds were Fox Sparrow, Hermit Thrush and Lesser Scaup. Word on ebird was that a Raven was spotted on Jefferson Ave and there were hopes among the group that it would pass over the park but it was not spotted. The group had a good discussion over the call notes of the Hermit Thrush and Eastern Towhee. Several Bald Eagles were seen and even a late Osprey. All seven woodpecker species were seen. A HUGE blackbird flock circulated the park. Misses for the morning included House Finch and Canada Goose, A species list follows. (*heard only)

Mallard

Lesser Scaup

Pied-billed Grebe

Double-crested Cormorant

Great Blue Heron

Black Vulture

Turkey Vulture

Osprey

Bald Eagle

Red-shouldered Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk

Laughing Gull

Ring-billed Gull

Mourning Dove

Great Horned Owl*

Belted Kingfisher

Red-headed Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

DownyWoodpecker

Hairy Woodpecker

Northern Flicker

Pileated Woodpecker*

Eastern Phoebe

Blue Jay

American Crow

Carolina Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

White-breasted Nuthatch

Brown-headed Nuthatch

Brown Creeper

Carolina Wren

Winter Wren

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Eastern Bluebird

Hermit Thrush

American Robin
Northern Mockingbird

Brown Thrasher

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Chipping Sparrow

Fox Sparrow

Song Sparrow

Swamp Sparrow

White-throated Sparrow

Dark-eyed Junco

Northern Cardinal

Red-winged Blackbird

Rusty Blackbird

Common Grackle

American Goldfinch

October 17, 2021

Fall truly seemed to have arrived! October 17, 2021 was clear and breezy with the temperature staying in the 60's. The sun was still not up at 7 AM and neither were the birds. However, things became much more active when the warming rays hit the treetops. 15 people participated in the walk. They were Gary Wright, June Hartzler, Melissa Freudenberg, Bill Boeh, Stuart Sweetman, Tom Charlock, Melissa Martin, Shawn Dash, Cindy Schulz, Jane Frigo, Wendy and Ellis Maxey, John and Marilyn Adair and newcomer Melody Avery. The group identified 57 species which included 6 first of season (FOS) arrivals---Winter Wren, Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Yellow-rumped Warbler, White-throated Sparrow and Dark-eyed Junco. Because of the upcoming Holiday of Lights displays, parking by the Spawning Pond was unavailable and the group was forced to park in the Golf Course lot and make the extra walk. However, it turned out to be a blessing! While gathering there the sun was just reaching trees lining the parking lot. The group got a wonderful look at Ruby-crowned Kinglets taking advantage of the warming insects. Then when reaching the beginning of the Swamp Bridge trail the sun was again warming a cedar tree by the road and a Black-throated Green Warbler was busy having breakfast too! Sadly, the group was unable to locate the Barred Owl seen on the previous two walks. By the time the group reached the Discovery Center the park was packed with people and cars making movement difficult. It was still a great day to be out. A complete species list follows.

Canada Goose

Wood Duck

Mallard

Pied-billed Grebe

Great Blue Heron

Great Egret

Black Vulture

Turkey Vulture

Osprey

Bald Eagle

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Cooper's Hawk

Red-shouldered Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk

Laughing Gull

Ring-billed Gull

Mourning Dove

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

Belted Kingfisher

Red-headed Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Downy Woodpecker

Northern Flicker

Pileated Woodpecker

Eastern Phoebe

Blue Jay

American Crow

Tree Swallow

Carolina Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

White-breasted Nuthatch

Carolina Wren

Winter Wren

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Eastern Bluebird

American Robin

Gray Catbird*

Northern Mockingbird

Brown Thrasher

Black-and-white Warbler

Northern Parula

Palm Warbler

Pine Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Black-throated Green Warbler

Eastern Towhee

Chipping Sparrow

Song Sparrow

Swamp Sparrow

White-throated Sparrow

Dark-eyed Junco

Northern Cardinal

Red-winged Blackbird

House Finch

American Goldfinch*

October 3, 2021

The bird walk at Newport News Park on October 3, 2021 began rather slowly. The weather was great. Clear skies, no wind and pleasant temperatures were welcome but the birds were slow to wake up. A rather small group turned out. They included Stuart Sweetman, Tom Charlock, Cindy Shultz, Marc Nichols, Melissa Martin, Jane Frigo, Elizabeth Bircher, and newcomers Robert Clardy and Melissa Freudenberg. The group identified 55 species. Several outstanding sighting took place The Barred Owl was spotted again in the area near Swamp Point. First of Season (FOS) sightings included Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and Swamp Sparrow. Fall migrating warblers included Black-throated Blue and Palm Warbler, Northern Parula and Yellow-throated Warblers were seen. A pair of Belted Kingfishers were VERY busy. A female Rose-breasted Grosbeak was another great sighting. Probably the most unusual sighting was at the very end of the walk, around noon, at the Arboretum. It was a Common Raven! The bird was seen soaring over the shelters carrying something in his mouth then pulling in his wings and doing the raven dive! The only other raven seen during the bird walks was last year at the first walk in October! A complete species list follows.

Wood Duck

Mallard

Pied-billed Grebe

Double-crested Cormorant

Great Blue Heron

Great Egret

Black Vulture

Turkey Vulture

Osprey

Bald Eagle

Red-tailed Hawk

Killdeer

Laughing Gull

Ring-billed Gull

Mourning Dove

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

Barred Owl

Chimney Swift

Belted Kingfisher

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Downy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpecker

Northern Flicker

Pileated Woodpecker*

Eastern Phoebe

Blue Jay

American Crow

Common Raven

Carolina Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

Red-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatch

Carolina Wren

Eastern Bluebird

American Robin

Gray Catbird

Northern Mockingbird

Brown Thrasher

European Starling

Common Yellowthroat

American Redstart

Northern Parula

Black-throated Blue Warbler

Palm Warbler

Pine Warbler

Yellow-throated Warbler

Chipping Sparrow

Swamp Sparrow

Northern Cardinal

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Common Grackle

Brown-headed Cowbird

House Finch

American Goldfinch

September 19, 2021

September 19, 2021 was clear and a bit cooler but still humid. Those participating in the morning were Ellis Maxey, Sue Tomlin, Bill Boeh, Pete Peterman, Lynne Mills, Dianne Snyder, Laurie Gardner, Stuart Sweetman, Marc Nichols, Tom Charlock, Jane Frigo, John and Marilyn Adair and newcomers Melissa Martin and Svetlana Rosenkrantz. The group identified 51 species. Highlights for the morning included a WONDERFUL sighting of a Barred Owl and discussion and identification of a first year Ring-billed Gull with pink legs and a bi-colored bill. As usual these walks always produce something special! A complete species list follows. (*heard only)

Wood Duck*

Mallard

Pied-billed Grebe

Double-crested Cormorant

Great Blue Heron

Great Egret

Green Heron

BLack Vulture

Turkey Vulture

Osprey

Bald Eagle

(hawk species)

Laughing Gull

Ring-billed Gull

Mourning Dove

Barred Owl

Belted Kingfisher

Red-headed Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpecker

Northern Flicker

Pileated Woodpecker

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Acadian Flycatcher

Great Crested Flycatcher

White-eyed Vireo

Red-eyed Vireo

Blue Jay

American Crow

Carolina Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

White-breasted Nuthatch

Carolina Wren

Eastern Bluebird

American Robin*

Gray Catbird

Northern Mockingbird

Brown Thrasher

Black-and-white Warbler

Common Yellowthroat

American Redstart

Palm Warbler

Pine Warbler*

Chipping Sparrow

Summer Tanager

Northern Cardinal

Common Grackle

Brown-headed Cowbird

House Finch

American Goldfinch

September 5, 2021

Apologizes for the late posting of this walk. Somehow the report was lost and is being reconstructed. September 5, 2021 was a great day for birding in Newport News Park. 18 people participated in the morning walk. They were Dianne Snyder, Dave Youker, Heidi Young, Stuart Sweetman, Terri Moore, Sue Tomlin, Marc Nichols, Rock Moeslein, Cindy Schulz, Jane Frigo, Marilyn and John Adair, Pete and Charm Peterman, Ellis and Wendy Maxey, and first timers Lynne Mills and Rex Holmlin. The group identified 49 species over the morning. Continuing with the change in route, the group proceeded to the Swamp Bridge after circling the Ranger Station parking lot. Species identified included Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Red-headed Woodpecker, and Northern Parula to name a few. The best bird of the day was a white phase Little Blue Heron. A complete species list follows.

Canada Goose

Mallard

Double-crested Cormorant

Great Blue Heron

Great Egret

Little Blue Heron

Turkey Vulture

Osprey

Bald Eagle

Red-tailed Hawk

Laughing Gull

Mourning Dove

Chimney Swift

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Belted Kingfisher

Red-headed Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpecker

Northern Flicker

Pileated Woodpecker

Eastern Wood-Pewee

White-eyed Vireo

Red-eyed Vireo

American Crow

Carolina Chickadee*

Tufted Titmouse

White-breasted Nuthatch

Brown-headed Nuthatch*

Carolina Wren

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Eastern Bluebird

American Robin

Northern Mockingbird

Brown Thrasher

European Starling

Black-and-white Warbler

Common Yellowthroat

Northern Parula

Pine Warbler

Chipping Sparrow

Summer Tanager

Northern Cardinal

Blue Grosbeak

Red-winged Blackbird

Common Grackle

Brown-headed Cowbird

House Finch

American Goldfinch

August 15, 2021

August 15, 2021 was another hot and humid day but at least there was no rain. A good sized group assembled to see what birds they could find. Birders participating were Cindy Schulz, Tom Charlock, Bill Boeh, Stuart Sweetman, Marc Nichols, Sue Tomlin, Jane Frigo, Elizabeth Wilkins, Jacque van Montfranz, Wendy and Ellis Maxey, and first timers Shawn and Evan Owens. The group identified 57 species. The walk began at the Ranger Station and circled the regular path. As with the last walk, the group then elected to head to the Spawning Pond and make the walk to the Swamp Bridge before the day heated up. That was productive and yielded a Hooded Warbler, Yellow-billed Cuckoo. Martins and Swallows. A lone Killdeer was seen for the first time in MANY walks. Another unexpecting sighting was a Boat-tailed Grackle. He was certainly out of his expected habitat. A young Red-shouldered Hawk was observed at length and crying for attention. Other hawks included Bald Eagle, Red-Tailed and Osprey. Upon returning to the Discovery Center and the power lines a pair of Spotted Sandpipers were seen and a lone Pied-billed Grebe. Surprisingly no Mallards were seen. A complete list follows. (* indicated heard only)

Wood Duck

Pied-billed Grebe

Great Blue Heron

Great Egret

Green Heron*

Turkey Vulture

Osprey

Bald Eagle

Red-shouldered Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk

Killdeer

Spotted Sandpiper

Laughing Gull

Mourning Dove

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Belted Kingfisher

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Pileated Woodpecker

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Acadian Flycatcher

Great Crested Flycatcher*

Eastern Kingbird

White-eyed Vireo

Red-eyed Vireo

Blue Jay*

American Crow

Fish Crow

Purple Martin

N.Rough-winged Swallow

Carolina Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

White-breasted Nuthatch

Brown-headed Nuthatch*

Carolina Wren

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Eastern Bluebird

American Robin

Gray Catbird

Northern Mockingbird

Brown Thrasher

European Starling

Black-and-white Warbler

Common Yellowthroat*

Hooded Warbler

Pine Warbler

Chipping Sparrow

Summer Tanager

Northern Cardinal

Blue Grosbeak

Indigo Bunting*

Common Grackle

Boat-tailed Grackle

Brown-headed Cowbird

House Finch

American Goldfinch

August 1, 2021

Rain was predicted for August 1, 2021 but several birders came to the park just in case the weather forecast was wrong. The forecast was not wrong and Heidi Young, Dianne Snyder, Marc Nichols, Tom Charlock, Stuart Sweetman, John Adair and Jane Frigo spent about 45 minutes under the shelter near the Ranger Station listening and looking for whatever birds they could identify through the heavy downfall. The list was shameful...only eight birds. But, the group enjoyed visiting even though the time was brief. Hopefully, the weather for the next walk will be better! A list follows. (* heard only)

Great Blue Heron

Great Egret

Royal Tern

Eastern Kingbird

Blue Jay*

American Crow

Carolina Wren

American Robin

July 18, 2021

July 18, 2021 finds the summer half gone and migration only a few weeks away. The weather continued in typical summer fashion..hot and humid. Those participating in the morning were John and Marilyn Adair, Sue Tomlin, Heidi Young, Cindy Schulz, Marc Nichols, Tresa Bobbitt and Jane Frigo. The group identified 52 species. The group decided to make a little change in the morning. Instead of going to the Arboretum after circling the lakeside, the group elected to go directly to the Swamp Bridge and work backwards to the Discovery Center and ending at the Arboretum. When migration begins later in August the hope is more woodland warblers will be found earlier in the morning and the open field birds will still be out. Great Crested Flycatchers were very active as were the Royal Terns. American Crows continued to stalk the turtles as they struggled to lay eggs. Common Yellowthroats, Summer Tanagers and Prothonotary Warblers could be heard but stayed hidden. Red-eyed Vireo and White-eyed Vireo were seen and a very handsome male Kingfisher! Killdeer and Cedar Waxwings gave a nice flyover view! A complete species list follows. (* heard only).

Canada Goose

Mallard

Double-crested Cormorant

Great Blue Heron

Great Egret

Black Vulture

Turkey Vulture

Osprey

Bald Eagle

Cooper's Hawk

Killdeer

Laughing Gull

Royal Tern

Mourning Dove

Yellow-billed Cuckoo*

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Belted Kingfisher

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpecker*

Northern Flicker*

Pileated Woodpecker

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Acadian Flycatcher*

Great Crested Flycatcher

Eastern Kingbird*

White-eyed Vireo

Red-eyed Vireo

Blue Jay

American Crow

Purple Martin

Carolina Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

White-breasted Nuthatch

Carolina Wren

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Eastern Bluebird

Wood Thrush*

American Robin

Northern Mockingbird

Brown Thrasher*

Cedar Waxwing

Prothonotary Warbler*

Common Yellowthroat*

Chipping Sparrow

Summer Tanager*

Northern Cardinal

Indigo Bunting

Red-winged Blackbird

Common Grackle

House Finch

American Goldfinch*

July 4, 2021

Happy Fourth of July! What a great way to celebrate the holiday!! July 4, 2021 was clear and calm and the temperature a very pleasant 65 degrees slowly warming up to the mid eighties by noon. Quite a group chose to spend their holiday on a bird walk. They included Dianne Snyder, Marc Nichols, Bill Boeh, Ellis Maxey, Stuart Sweetman, Jane Frigo, Pete and Charm Peterman, John and Marilyn Adair and first timers Mustapha Abdul and Sherry McDonald. Outstanding observations included a pair of Orchard Orioles, Blue Grosbeaks and Pileated Woodpeckers, several Great Crested Flycatchers, and Royal Terns fishing in the reservoir, But the best was a Red-tailed Hawk hunting crayfish at the power lines! A special thanks to Charm Peterman for her laser pointer skills which made finding the sightings among the dense summer foliage much appreciated. In all, 55 species were identified. A complete list follows. Since all lists are made up of birds seen and heard an * will follow those species only heard.

Canada Goose

Mallard

Double-crested Cormorant

Great Blue Heron

Great Egret

Green Heron

Turkey Vulture

Osprey

Red-tailed Hawk

Laughing Gull

Royal Tern

Mourning Dove

Yellow-billed Cuckoo*

Belted Kingfisher

Red-headed Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Northern Flicker*

Pileated Woodpecker

Eastern Wood-Pewee*

Acadian Flycatcher

Great Crested Flycatcher

White-eyed Vireo*

Red-eyed Vireo

Blue Jay

American Crow

Fish Crow

Purple Martin

N. Rough-winged Swallow

Carolina Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

White-breasted Nuthatch*

Brown-headed Nuthatch

Carolina Wren

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Eastern Bluebird

American Robin

Northern Mockingbird

Brown Thrasher

European Starling

Prothonotary Warbler

Northern Parula*

Pine Warbler

Yellow-throated Warbler*

Chipping Sparrow

Summer Tanager

Northern Cardinal

Blue Grosbeak

Indigo Bunting*

Red-winged Blackbird

Common Grackle

Brown-headed Cowbird

Orchard Oriole

House Finch

American Goldfinch

June 20, 2021

June 20, 2021 was Father's Day! Newport News Park was sure to be busy with family celebrations but the scheduled bird walk proceeded as planned. Those participating were Heidi Young, Cindy Schulz, Sue Tomlin, Rock Moeslein, Marc Nichols, Rand Milan, Lee Morris, Tom Charlock, Jane Frigo, Marilyn and John Adair and newcomer Laurie Gardner. Apologies to Cindy for misspelling her name in previous participant lists. The group identified 50 species. A list will follow of birds seen and heard (*).

Canada Goose

Mallard

Great Blue Heron

Great Egret

Black Vulture

Turkey Vulture

Osprey

Bald Eagle

Laughing Gull

Royal Tern

Mourning Dove

Red-headed Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Northern Flicker

Pileated Woodpecker

Eastern Wood-Pewee*

Acadian Flycatcher*

Great Crested Flycatcher

White-eyed Vireo*

Red-eyed Vireo*

Blue Jay

American Crow

Fish Crow

Carolina Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

White-breasted Nuthatch

Brown-headed Nuthatch*

Carolina Wren

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Eastern Bluebird

American Robin

Northern Mockingbird

Brown Thrasher

European Starling

Cedar Waxwing*

Prothonotary Warbler*

Common Yellowthroat

Northern Parula*

Pine Warbler*

Chipping Sparrow

Northern Cardinal

Blue Grosbeak

Indigo Bunting*

Red-winged Blackbird

Common Grackle

Brown-headed Cowbird

Orchard Oriole

House Finch

American Goldfinch

June 6, 2021

It felt like summer on June 6, 2021. The temperature was in the 70's at 7 AM and slowly rose over the morning. 12 people participated in at least some part of the walk. They were Terry Moore, Dave Youker, Dianne Snyder, Stuart Sweetman, Cindy Shulz, Sue Tomlin, Jane Frigo, Ellis and Wendy Maxey, John and Marilyn Adair and first timer Laurie Gardner. The group identified 56 species before calling it quits at noon. No migrants were spotted and even some expected regulars were missed. The Great Horned Owl was back in his usual place by the Tea House. That was an outstanding find. Also a Red-headed Woodpecker was seen. They, too, have been hard to see. A Summer Tanager made an eye-level rest at Swamp Point and gave everyone a close-up look. Another good bird was a Yellow-billed Cuckoo. They are often hard to see in the high canopy. The group also made use of Google during the walk to identify a beautiful insect called an ebony jewelwing broadwing damselfly. A complete species list follows.

Canada Goose

Wood Duck

Mallard

Double-crested Cormorant

Great Blue Heron

Great Egret

Turkey Vulture

Osprey

Red-shouldered Hawk

Laughing Gull

Royal Tern

Mourning Dove

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

Great Horned Owl

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Red-headed Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpecker

Northern Flicker

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Acadian Flycatcher

Great Crested Flycatcher

Red-eyed Vireo

Blue Jay

American Crow

Fish Crow

Tree Swallow

Carolina Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

White-breasted Nuthatch

Brown-headed Nuthatch

Carolina Wren

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Eastern Bluebird

American Robin

Northern Mockingbird

Brown Thrasher

European Starling

Cedar Waxwing

Prothonotary Warbler

Common Yellowthroat

Northern Parula

Pine Warbler

Yellow-throated Warbler

Chipping Sparrow

Summer Tanager

Northern Cardinal

Blue Grosbeak

Indigo Bunting

Red-winged Blackbird

Common Grackle

Brown-headed Cowbird

Orchard Oriole

House Finch

American Goldfinch

May 16, 2021

The big migration push seemed to have passed with more winter residents having left and only a few additional summer residents arriving. The weather, too, was transitional with skies partly cloudy and temperatures beginning in the mid forties but climbing to the 70's. Eleven people participated in at least some part of the morning. They were Bill Boeh, Dianne Snyder, Cindy Shulz, Sue Tomlin, Terry Moore, Marc Nichols, Stuart Sweetman, Marilyn Adair, Tresa Bobbitt, Jane Frigo and newcomer Martha Elliott. The group identified 65 species. Several lively discussions took place. One involved thrush species and the other waterthrush species. The most memorable observation took place just before beginning the White Oak Trail. A photographer was busy photographing something on the Constitution Drive side entrance to the bridge. Curiosity got the best of us and the group went to see what had caught his eye It turned out to be a Pileated Woodpecker nest with two nestlings ready to fledge! Observations with binoculars from a respectful distance was a treat. A complete species list follows.

Canada Goose

Wood Duck

Mallard

Great Blue Heron

Great Egret

Green Heron

Black Vulture

Turkey Vulture

Osprey

Cooper's Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk

Spotted Sandpiper

Laughing Gull

Mourning Dove

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

Barred Owl

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpecker

Northern Flicker

Pileated Woodpecker

Eastern WoodPewee

Acadian Flycatcher

Great Crested Flycatcher

Eastern Kingbird

White-eyed Vireo

Red-eyed Vireo

Blue Jay

American Crow

Fish Crow

Purple Martin

Tree Swallow

Carolina Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

White-breasted Nuthatch

Brown-headed Nuthatch

Carolina Wren

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Eastern Bluebird

Gray-cheeked Thrush

Swainson's Thrush

Wood Thrush

American Robin

Northern Mockingbird

Brown Thrasher

Ovenbird

Northern Waterthrush

Prothonotary Warbler

Common Yellowthroat

Northern Parula

Blackpoll Warbler

Pine Warbler

Yellow-throated Warbler

Eastern Towhee

Chipping Sparrow

Summer Tanager

Scarlet Tanager

Northern Cardinal

Blue Grosbeak

Red-winged Blackbird

Common Grackle

Brown-headed Cowbird

House Finch

American Goldfinch

May 2, 2021

Wow! What a day May 2, 2021 was. The weather was perfect and migration was in full swing. The morning group was small with Marc Nichols, Stuart Sweetman, Marilyn Adair, Tom Charlock and Jane Frigo the only participants. However, 80 species were identified which may be a Sunday record! The group did take the White Oak Trail to the Swamp Bridge which added a few species like Ovenbird, Hooded Warbler, Black-throated Blue and Barred Owl (heard). One special treat was a pair of Yellow-breasted Chat seen and very much heard at the Discovery Center. A pair of American Redstarts were also seen with the beautiful male making a lengthy show. The return trip from the Swamp Bridge produced views of both Wood Thrush AND Hermit Thrush for a great comparison. The walk ended on another high note. A pair of American Coot was swimming right near the shore and a beautiful pair of Wood Ducks flew in to join them. The walk didn't end until afternoon but the effort was definitely worth it. A complete species list follows.

Canada Goose

Wood Duck

Mallard

Double-crested Cormorant

Great Blue Heron

Great Egret

Green Heron

Black Vulture

Turkey Vulture

Osprey

Bald Eagle

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk

American Coot

Laughing Gull

Mourning Dove

Barred Owl

Belted Kingfisher

Red-headed Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpecker

Northern Flicker

Pileated Woodpecker

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Acadian Flycatcher

Great Crested Flycatcher

Eastern Kingbird

Red-eyed Vireo

Blue Jay

American Crow

Fish Crow

Purple Martin

Tree Swallow

N. Rough-winged Swallow

Carolina Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

White-breasted Nuthatch

Brown-headed Nuthatch

Carolina Wren

House Wren

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Eastern Bluebird

Hermit Thrush

Wood Thrush

American Robin

Gray Catbird

Northern Mockingbird

Brown Thrasher

European Starling

Cedar Waxwing

Ovenbird

Black-and-white Warbler

Prothonotary Warbler

Common Yellowthroat

Hooded Warbler

American Redstart

Northern Parula

Yellow Warbler

Blackpoll Warbler

Black-throated Blue Warbler

Pine Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Yellow-throated Warbler

Prairie Warbler

Yellow-breasted Chat

Eastern Towhee

Chipping Sparrow

Song Sparrow

Swamp Sparrow

White-throated Sparrow

Summer Tanager

Northern Cardinal

Blue Grosbeak

Indigo Bunting

Red-winged Blackbird

Common Grackle

Brown-headed Cowbird

Orchard Oriole

House Finch

American Goldfinch

April 18, 2021

Today was beautiful for bird watching. Temperatures stayed in the 60's, skies were sunny and calm. 63 species were identified. Those participating in the walk were Charm and Pete Peterman, Ellis and Wendy Maxey, Heidi Young, Bill Boeh, Cindy Shulz, Stuart Sweetman, Sue Tomlin, Jane Frigo and newcomer Stacy Faherty. First of season (FOS) arrivals included Green Heron, Caspian Tern, Great Crested Flycatcher, Red-eyed Vireo, Purple Martin, Prothonotary Warbler, Northern Parula, Summer Tanager and Blue Grosbeak. The group varied the walk and took the White Oak Trail to the Swamp Bridge. A Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was seen constructing a nest. Also a Northern Parula was observed entering a leaf tangle from the bottom. This may also be a nest. Both constructions will be visited on the next walk to see if nesting is successful. By the first bridge a lone male Wood Duck was seen. Hope was that a nesting female may be close by. Although not a bird but still quite interesting was the sight of a HUGE snapping turtle near the Swamp Bridge along with a cottonmouth snake. A complete species list follows.

Canada Goose

Wood Duck

Mallard

Double-crested Cormorant

Great Blue Heron

Great Egret

Green Heron

Black Vulture

Turkey Vulture

Osprey

Bald Eagle

Laughing Gull

Ring-billed Gull

Caspian Tern

Royal Tern

Mourning Dove

Belted Kingfisher

Red-headed Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Pileated Woodpecker

Eastern Phoebe

Great Crested Flycatcher

White-eyed Vireo

Red-eyed Vireo

Blue Jay

American Crow

Fish Crow

Purple Martin

Tree Swallow

Carolina Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

White-breasted Nuthatch

Brown-headed Nuthatch

Carolina Wren

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Eastern Bluebird

Hermit Thrush

American Robin

Northern Mockingbird

Brown Thrasher

Cedar Waxwing

Prothonotary Warbler

Common Yellowthroat

Northern Parula

Palm Warbler

Pine Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Yellow-throated Warbler

Eastern Towhee

Chipping Sparrow

Song Sparrow

SwampSparrow

White-throated Sparrow

Summer Tanager

Northern Cardinal

Blue Grosbeak

Red-winged Blackbird

Common Grackle

Brown-headed Cowbird

House Finch

American Goldfinch

April 4, 2021

Today is Easter and what a beautiful morning to be outside and sharing the morning with birders and birds! Hannah Montalvo, Sue Tomlin, Pete Peterman, Marc Nichols, Cindy Shulz, Christiana Wilson, Jane Frigo and John and Marilyn Adair chose to spend the morning together. Hopes were high for spring migrants and summer resident arrivals to be seen. Those noted included Great Egret, Palm Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Royal Tern and Common Yellowthroat. Finally a Red-headed Woodpecker was spotted. Ducks seem to have departed and possibly the Sapsucker and Winter Wren. A Carolina Wren was seen taking advantage of a large trash can a squirrel had chewed into. The pair of wrens were observed carrying nesting material into the can. The lid was removed to expose a partially constructed nest on top of the cans and garbage. Obviously the nest would never survive. Fortunately there were no eggs yet so the hope is the pair will begin again in a more suitable location. 55 species were recorded.

Canada Goose

Wood Duck

Mallard

Pied-billed Grebe

Double-crested Cormorant

Great Blue Heron

Great Egret

Turkey Vulture

Osprey

Bald Eagle

Red-shouldered Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk

Laughing Gull

Ring-billed Gull

Royal Tern

Mourning Dove

Belted Kingfisher

Red-headed Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Northern Flicker

Pileated Woodpecker

Blue Jay

American Crow

Fish Crow

Tree Swallow

Carolina Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

Red-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatch

Brown-headed Nuthatch

Brown Creeper

Carolina Wren

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Eastern Bluebird

Hermit Thrush

American Robin

Northern Mockingbird

Brown Thrasher

European Starling

Common Yellowthroat

Palm Warbler

Pine Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Yellow-throated Warbler

Chipping Sparrow

Song Sparrow

Swamp Sparrow

White-throated Sparrow

Dark-eyed Junco

Northern Cardinal

Red-winged Blackbird

Brown-headed Cowbird

American Goldfinch

March 21, 2021

Spring has arrived! March 21, 2021 began with cloudy skies and temperatures in the 40's. A first of season (FOS) Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was an exciting discovery and a little earlier than expected. Although several duck species were seen they were in much smaller numbers. Wood Ducks were heard at the Swamp Bridge. Osprey, Bald Eagle, Cooper's Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk and Red-tailed Hawk were seen along with all expected woodpecker species with the exception of the elusive Red-headed Woodpecker. All expected winter residents were still around. Although Purple Martins have returned to the area none were seen at the park. Those attending at least some part of the morning walk included Heidi Young, Tresa Bobbitt, Pete Peterman, Bill Boeh, Cindy Shulz, Stuart Sweetman, Marc Nichols, Elizabeth Wilkins, Jacque van Montfrans, Shawn Dash, Sue Tomlin and Jane Frigo. 61 species were identified.

Canada Goose

Wood Duck

Gadwall

Mallard

Ring-necked Duck

Bufflehead

Hooded Merganser

Pied-billed Grebe

Double-crested Cormorant

Great Blue Heron

Black Vulture

Turkey Vulture

Osprey

Bald Eagle

Cooper's Hawk

Red-shouldered Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk

Ring-billed Gull

Herring Gull

Mourning Dove

Belted Kingfisher

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Downy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpecker

Northern Flicker

Pileated Woodpecker

Eastern Phoebe

Blue Jay

American Crow

Fish Crow

Tree Swallow

Carolina Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

White-breasted Nuthatch

Brown-headed Nuthatch

Brown Creeper

Carolina Wren

Winter Wren

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Eastern Bluebird

Hermit Thrush

American Robin

Northern Mockingbird

Brown Thrasher

Cedar Waxwing

Pine Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Chipping Sparrow

Fox Sparrow

Song Sparrow

Swamp Sparrow

White-throated Sparrow

Dark-eyed Junco

Northern Cardinal

Red-winged Blackbird

Brown-headed Cowbird

House Finch

American Goldfinch

March 7, 2021

March 7, 2021 began with clear skies and the temperature in the 30's. Those participating in the walk included Heidi Young, Pete Peterman, Bill Boeh, Stuart Sweetman, Cathy Bond, Lisa Billow, Jane Frigo, and John and Marilyn Adair. During the morning 52 species were identified. Ducks were well represented in variety if not number. A first of season (FOS) Osprey was seen. A small group of Cedar Waxwings were found. The Virginia Rail was heard at the Swamp Bridge. In the Arboretum a cooperative Brown-headed Nuthatch was catching some warming rays at the base of a pine tree giving the group a nice close-up view. Sadly no Red-headed Woodpeckers were seen....again. Pine Warblers were spectacular in the morning sun. 5 species of sparrows were identified No Dark-eyed Juncos were found. An interesting note, there was extensive beaver activity drastically changing one shore line. The lodge was located and what appears to be a critter camera was found which may be monitoring the activity. Should be fun to monitor the progress. A list of identified species follows.

Canada Goose

Gadwall

American Wigeon

American Black Duck

Mallard

Ring-necked

Lesser Scaup

Bufflehead

Hooded Merganser

Pied-billed Grebe

Double-crested Cormorant

Great Blue Heron

Black Vulture

Turkey Vulture

Osprey

Bald Eagle

Virginia Rail

Ring-billed Gull

Mourning Dove

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Downy Woodpecker

Pileated Woodpecker

Blue Jay

American Crow

Fish Crow

Carolina Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

White-breasted Nuthatch

Brown-headed Nuthatch

Brown Creeper

Carolina Wren

Winter Wren

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Eastern Bluebird

Hermit Thrush

American Robin

Northern Mockingbird

Brown Thrasher

Cedar Waxwing

Pine Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Field Sparrow

Fox Sparrow

Song Sparrow

Swamp Sparrow

White-throated Sparrow

Northern Cardinal

Red-winged Blackbird

Brown-headed Cowbird

House Finch

February 21, 2021

At last a beautiful, but cold, day for a park walk. Those willing to brave the 30 degree temperatures to enjoy the sunshine were Cindy Shulz, Heidi Young, Lisa Billow, John Adair, Stuart Sweetman, Marc Nichols, Hannah Montalvo, Sue Tomlin, Christiana Bobbit and Jane Frigo. In addition to the more common ducks seen, the group identified American Wigeon, American Black Duck and Lesser Scaup. Adult and immature Bald Eagles were seen and a very cooperative Cooper's Hawk. Tree Swallows were spotted dipping into the water in spite of the cold temperatures A Fox Sparrow was a welcome addition to the normal sparrows seen. Surprisingly no American Goldfinches or House Finches were heard or seen but a beautiful female Purple Finch was spotted at Swamp Point. Red-headed Woodpeckers have also been missing. A correction to the February 7, 2021 list....the gull seen on that day was NOT a Laughing Gull but a Ring-billed Gull. The wrong block was marked on the tally list, On February 21, 53 species were identified.

Canada Goose

Gadwall

American Wigeon

American Black Duck

Mallard

Ring-necked Duck

Lesser Scaup

Bufflehead

Hooded Merganser

Pied-billed Grebe

Double-crested Cormorant

Great Blue Heron

Black Vulture

Turkey Vulture

Bald Eagle

Cooper's Hawk

Ring-billed Gull

Mourning Dove

Belted Kingfisher

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Downy Woodpecker

Pileated Woodpecker

Eastern Phoebe

Blue Jay

American Crow

Fish Crow

Tree Swallow

Carolina Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

Red-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatch

Brown Creeper

Carolina Wren

Winter Wren

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Eastern Bluebird

Hermit Thrush

American Robin

Northern Mockingbird

Brown Thrasher

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Fox Sparrow

Song Sparrow

Swamp Sparrow

White-throated Sparrow

Dark-eyed Junco

Northern Cardinal

Red-winged Blackbird

Common Grackle

Brown-headed Cowbird

Purple Finch

February 7, 2021

Super Bowl Sunday is today, February 7, 2021. The weather is a chilly 38 degrees and rain is falling. Stuart Sweetman, Marc Nichols, Hannah Montalvo and Jane Frigo suited up for the rain and managed to stick it out until 10 AM. They identified 33 species as they traveled from shelter to shelter in a vain attempt to stay dry. Obviously there were many misses but they were able to identify 6 duck species. The Northern Mockingbird was spotted after several misses on previous walks. The group enjoyed seeing both Kinglets. A species list follows.

Canada Goose

Gadwall

Mallard

Ring-necked Duck

Bufflehead

Hooded Merganser

Pied-billed Grebe

Double-crested Cormorant

Great Blue Heron

Bald Eagle

Laughing Gull

Mourning Dove

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Hairy Woodpecker

Pileated Woodpecker

Blue Jay

American Crow

Carolina Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

White-breasted Nuthatch

Carolina Wren

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Hermit Thrush

American Robin

Northern Mockingbird

Yellow-rumped Warbler

White-throated Sparrow

Dark-eyed Junco

Northern Cardinal

Red-winged Blackbird

Common Grackle

January 3, 2021

Happy New Year! January 3, 2021 began with chilly temperatures (40's) and light rain. Jane Frigo, Cindy Shulz and Marc Nichols birded from the shelter area and later ventured to the Arboretum and Discovery Center before calling an end to the morning. A Fox Sparrow sighting started off the morning and was a delight to see. Ducks were hard to find with only a pair of Mallards and Hooded Mergansers, a Pied-billed Grebe and some Double Crested Cormorants on the water. In spite of the poor lighting, a Brown Creeper was found. The previous night's heavy rain left much of the grassy areas muddy which proved great for the flocking blackbirds. At the Arboretum views of Red-winged Blackbirds, Common Grackles, European Starlings, Brown-headed Cowbirds, American Robins and even some Rusty Blackbirds were impressive. The group searched for Evening Grosbeaks reported farther north of the park, hoping they would continue moving south but no luck. However, later in the day Cindy reported seeing them for the first time at her feeders in Gloucester! Maybe they will reach the park by the next walk. A complete species list follows.

Mallard

Hooded Merganser

Pied-billed Grebe

Double-crested Cormorant

Red-tailed Hawk

Ring-billed Gull

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Downy Woodpecker

Northern Flicker

Blue Jay

Carolina Chickadee