Back at it Again: Geprags Park

On Thursday April 7, 2016, I went back to Geprags Park in Hinesburg to see if, with the warmer weather, new (and hopefully more compared to the last time I had visited the park) species of birds had arrived. Geprags Park is a mix of old and new growth forest that borders and separates three large meadow areas. I arrived at the park at 1:00pm. Much like the time before, it was very overcast, but, unlike the time before, it was a balmy 54 degrees Fahrenheit with very mild wind. From the moment I stepped out of my car the difference in this visit was distinct. Many different bird calls could be heard coming from all around. Some I recognized, such as the Blue Jay, and some I did not recognize to species, such as the Red-winged Blackbird.

Sitting on the telephone wires above the parking area were two Eastern Bluebirds. I was very excited to see these, and two more across the road, because I had never seen them before (at least as far as positively identifying them). Also clinging to a tree in the parking lot area, was a Hairy Woodpecker. As I entered through the trail to the park, I spotted a Red-winged Blackbird in a tree above me. In the park on the wooded side I spotted a Mourning Dove and a White-breasted Nuthatch. I heard several (I assume at least four) Blue Jays calling from different sides of the park and (finally) was able to take a picture while one called out.

As I came to the back of the park, a huge flock of American Robins flew overhead, some landing in the trees for a minutes or so before taking off again. This was one of the biggest flocks of them I have ever seen. My attention was then caught by a very loud call that I did not recognize. It sounded much like a higher register car alarm. On the thicker forest side of the park I spotted a Carolina Wren perched on a shrub branch who was making this noise. Soon another Carolina Wren came to this same spot, I assume answering the call, and the two chased each other until one flew away (I lost track to see if it was the original that stayed).

With the rain beginning to come down I headed back to my car. Along the drive out (unable to take out my camera), I drove past a small flock of 3 Turkey Vultures who were trying to eat the remains of a carcass that was in the road. One of the three birds landed directly in front of my car on the road and hopped forward, out of my way, while the other two looked on from the other side of the road. I also passed an American Kestrel swooping across the road and perching on a tree branch on the side of the road, and, later, a Red-tailed Hawk perched in a tree. The Turkey Vultures are probably part of the same larger group (perhaps 7 or so) that I have seen soaring over different parts of Spear Street for the past several weeks to a month. Similarly, this Red-tailed Hawk, I believe, is the same one that I have seen now and then perched on the same tree in the same spot for several months. All in all, this was a very busy bird watching excursion.

Julkaistu huhtikuu 8, 2016 02:39 AP. käyttäjältä bkelley