Morning Bliss and Surprises
The morning began a bit warm hinting at the heat to come. Joining me were four regular walkers and a first-time attendee eager to explore the avian wonders of Valley Meadows Park. Our chosen route traced the Forbes Trail, offering a picturesque path along which we hoped to encounter a variety of bird species.
Birdwatching Highlights
Despite the common species being somewhat subdued in numbers, we embarked on our journey with keen eyes and hopeful hearts. Some expected residents like the House Sparrow and European Starling eluded our sight today, perhaps drowned out by the morning chorus or simply playing hide-and-seek amidst the foliage.
Our perseverance paid off when we were treated to several delightful surprises. First among them was the Willow Flycatcher, a modestly colored yet captivating bird, darting among the treetops in pursuit of insects. Its agile maneuvers provided a thrilling spectacle for our group.
Even more thrilling was our encounter with a Black-and-White Warbler. This striking warbler graciously offered us an extended viewing, venturing remarkably close—within twenty feet of our excited gathering. For me, it marked the first sighting of the year, while for my fellow birders, it was a precious "lifer" moment—a first-time sighting in their birdwatching journeys.
Full Bird Species List
Here’s a rundown of the species we spotted during our expedition:
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
Downy Woodpecker
Willow Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Blue Jay
American Crow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Barn Swallow
House Wren
Carolina Wren
European Starling
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
American Robin
House Finch
American Goldfinch
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Brown-headed Cowbird
Black-and-white Warbler
Northern Cardinal
Conclusion
Our journey concluded with a sense of fulfillment, having observed 23 distinct species amidst the tranquil surroundings of Valley Meadows Park. Each bird encountered added richness to our experience, reminding us of the diverse avian life thriving in our local ecosystem.
For a detailed look at our findings, you can view the checklist online here.
Until next time, happy birding!
Andy
Guide and Owner
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