First-of-season Louisiana Waterthrush Heard at Sweet Run

Twenty-six birders attended the March 22 Sweet Run bird walk on an overcast Saturday morning. We were hoping for early sun, but we would have to wait until later in the walk for conditions to get warmer. The walk was led by John Denice, Michael Sciortino and Carol Sottili with assistance from Peter Lyttle. We also had opening comments from Meg Doppee, the Sweet Run Park Interpreter. Since the group was so large, we split into two groups: one would do the standard Farmstead Loop and the other would head toward Arnold Lane.

A Black Vulture keeps watch.
Photo by Michael Sciortino

John Denice and Peter Lyttle led the Farmstead group and were surprised by the lack of birds at the beginning. The group did see a few White-throated Sparrows shortly after. Beyond the pond, the group traveled onto Demory Field and were greeted by Eastern Bluebirds, numerous Eastern Phoebes and Tree Swallows. It was nice to see the bright blue of the bluebirds and the acrobatics and iridescent blue of the swallows. We also got to hear Field Sparrows singing and got a good look at one. As we passed the field and entered the woods, the group saw more Eastern Phoebes, a Golden-crowned Kinglet and a Carolina Chickadee. From entering the woods until reaching Piney Run, the group heard and saw nothing. It was quite unusual. Along the stream the group heard a Swamp Sparrow, Winter Wren and their only Northern Cardinal of the day. We continued along the stream and got a Fox Sparrow, a Northern Flicker, our only Red-bellied Woodpecker and a Pileated Woodpecker. The group came back up the loop and returned to Demory Field by the shelter and walked along the woods. We got a nice look at three American Crows mobbing a Red-tailed Hawk and saw both Turkey and Black Vultures. This gave us an opportunity to discuss the differences between the two vulture species. The group eventually recorded 29 species, and everyone enjoyed the walk.

Michael Sciortino and Carol Sottili took the second group in the same direction initially and passed Wortman Pond, which was quiet. Activity began to pick up as the group approached the Old Bridge with numerous Eastern Phoebes calling in the woods around the bridge. The group had good looks at a lone Yellow-bellied Sapsucker as we made our way up the hill towards Arnold Lane. Heading toward the power line cut, we were rewarded with sightings of two American Kestrels perched, sounds of Eastern Meadowlarks and numerous Red-winged Blackbirds. Two Swamp Sparrows interacted in the swampy grassland near the road. The highlight for the group was when were were on Arnold Lane and heard the clear sounds of a first-of-season Louisiana Waterthrush calling from Piney Run. On our way back, we were visited by an inquisitive Black Vulture as it perched near the uninhabited structure and kept an eye on us. The group made its way back to the visitor’s center and finished with 33 species recorded. Individual numbers were low except for Eastern Phoebes that seemed to be everywhere.

Combined, the two groups recorded 39 species and had an enjoyable outing that concluded with warm sun and even better birding conditions.

For a complete list of the birds observed on the walk, see the lists below.