Spring Outings Report
By Pat Phillips
We have had an active spring with eight planned outings, most of which were greeted with either rainfall or wet conditions. One of our favorites, the Warbler Walk at Little River State Park, had to be cancelled due to torrential rain conditions. In spite of the weather, many birders were able to join us as we observed the change in seasons and the return of many species from the south. A brief summary of our outings follows:
Spring Birding at Woodside
Two young birders pause to survey the woods.
On a wet and chilly morning, fourteen birders ventured along the floodplain trails of Woodside in search of returning migrant species. Participants were greeted by throngs of hungry Black-capped Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, White Breasted Nuthatches, and Downy Woodpeckers habituated to being fed by visitors. Cooler conditions precluded the return of migrating warblers, but folks had the chance to hear a Fish Crow, and observe a Sharp-shinned hawk and Swamp Sparrow among the twenty-nine species recorded.
eBird report: https://ebird.org/checklist/S223102805
Watching for Warblers at Pelot’s Natural Area
Birders scan the upper branches.
In our second attempt to observe migrating warblers in our area, members of the Green Mountain Audubon Society headed to North Hero. Traveling along trails through a diversity of habitat in this gem of a preserve, twenty birders split into two groups and observed more than 45 avian species. Under cloud cover and light misting rain, a few early warblers were spotted including Yellow-rumped, Black-throated Green, Pine warblers and Ovenbirds. In addition, birders were provided an excellent opportunity to compare Barn, Tree, and Northern Rough-winged Swallows. While quite a successful bird walk, we will likely do this a bit later in the future to see a greater variety of warblers.
eBird report for Pat and Tom’s group: https://ebird.org/checklist/S232633368
eBird report for Scott, Liza, and Terry’s group: https://ebird.org/checklist/S233375659
Walk at Maquam/Black Creek at Missisquoi NWR
In observance of World Migratory Bird Day, the Green Mountain Audubon Society collaborated with the Friends of Missisquoi in leading a walk on the refuge. Once again, cloudy conditions with occasional rain provided the setting for this outing in Lake Champlain’s floodplain forest. Twenty-two participants were treated to a return of the flycatchers with both the Least and Great Crested Flycatchers seen and heard throughout the outing. Also heard in abundance, but proving a challenge to see were Northern Waterthrush and Veery. The emergence of insects also supported the return of warblers such as the Blackburnian, Tennessee, Yellow warblers and the Common Yellowthroat and American Redstart. Forty-one species were seen or heard before the group was soaked by a downpour a short distance from their cars.
eBird Report: https://ebird.org/checklist/S239221536
Spring Birding at Catamount Community Forest
Outing participants cluster as they wait for the walk to begin.
Another rainy and windy morning did not deter a group of over 20 birders from exploring both the fields and forests of the Catamount Community Forest in search of a variety of birds. Fortunately, the rain stopped after the group headed out. Tennessee warblers were out and calling along with multiple other warbler species, including a quite vocal Louisiana Waterthrush. Birders were able to get great looks at a lone Green Heron, Bobolinks, and a diversity of other species. In spite of the weather, the birding was good with 42 species observed.
eBird report: https://ebird.org/checklist/S241925830
Family Bird Walk at Shelburne Farms
Families pause to take in the view and search for birds.
As part of a collaborative effort between the Green Mountain Audubon Society(GMAS), Shelburne Farms, and Outreach for Earth Stewardship(OFES), families were led by GMAS board members on a mid-morning bird walk through the property. Parents, children, and extended family members were provided an opportunity to view a variety of birds, to identify some species by song, and to learn a bit about the ecology of different species. As a special treat subsequent to the walk, Craig Newmen of OFES offered the opportunity for participants to see a live Eastern Screech Owl and a Barred Owl that were being rehabbed after injury. Families learned about some of the habits of these species and other information. GMAS hopes to continue with this effort in the future to continue to inspire young birders.
eBird Report: https://ebird.org/checklist/S24256389
Early Birder Morning Walk at the Birds of Vermont Museum
Birders stroll through the foggy morning.
On a cool foggy morning that evolved into a gorgeous and warm sunny day, 21 birders met at the Birds of Vermont Museum in a collaboration with Green Mountain Audubon Society. The group strolled along a country road bordered by homes, gardens, fields, shrubs, and forest. This setting offered birders the chance to see and hear over 40 bird species. Very cooperative Indigo Buntings and Black and White Warblers permitted easy viewing while participants were serenaded by a Winter Wren, Chestnut-sided Warblers, and a single Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Afterward, breakfast snacks and coffee and tea were provided compliments of the Birds of Vermont Museum.
eBird Report: https://ebird.org/checklist/S248138464