While the rain held off on September 17, it was still a very damp morning at the Goodstone Inn. Nonetheless, 11 people enjoyed a walk around the property finding a total of 36 species.
Acadian Flycatcher.
Photo by John Denice
Shortly after beginning, the group found a very vocal Acadian Flycatcher along the Goose Creek and watched a Belted Kingfisher catch a fish. In addition to numerous wildflowers, there were a number of Paw Paw trees along the creek, many with ripe fruit just waiting for something to eat them. In one area the group was astounded by the many holes Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers (which for the most part have not yet arrived in our area from their more northern nesting areas) had drilled into the mature Paw Paw trees. The first of our Red-headed Woodpeckers (some of which were hatch-year birds with brown heads) also turned up in this area.
After coming up from the Goose Creek into the meadows, we saw a number of Eastern Meadowlarks flying, and occasionally vocalizing, in the distance. They appeared to be most active in the meadows of native grasses. While walking through the meadow we spotted and watched two very healthy-looking Red Foxes before they disappeared in another field.
A visit to the pond yielded a Great Blue Heron and great looks at two different Green Herons.
As we were nearing the carriage house at the conclusion of our walk, an American Kestrel flew overhead a couple of times. As we tallied our sightings in the parking lot a small flock of Cedar Waxwings and a number of Chimney Swifts flew over. And to cap the morning off, a Northern Parula (our only warbler species of the day) was heard and then seen by some of us.
The walk was lead by Joe Coleman and Scott Harris. The complete list of birds found during the walk can be viewed on eBird at:
https://ebird.org/checklist/S195465973 and https://ebird.org/checklist/S195465949.
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