WFB 195 - Journal 4

Date: May 27, 2021
Time: 7-11:50
Location(s): Woodside Park and Overlook Park
Weather: Low sixties and cloudy until around noon when the sun came out
Habitat:
Today I started at Woodside Park in Essex. Woodside is primarily deciduous trees, wetland, and river habitat. The understory towards the river was almost entirely ferns with some tall phlox, poison ivy, and some other types of ground cover. When I first entered Woodside, the American Redstart, Red-eyed Vireo, Mourning Dove, and Red-winged Blackbird were the most abundant species. It was tough to see them though due to the canopy being all filled in. The Red-winged Blackbirds however were easily spotted in the tall grasses/swamp that was to the right of the trail. As I worked my way around the loop, I stopped at an area where I got a good view of the Winooski river. At this spot, I saw Barn Swallows flying across the water, a Belted Kingfisher, a female Hooded Merganser, and Spotted Sandpipers across the opposite bank. I also saw one the Sandpipers doing the signature butt bobbing! I also saw quite a few different bird species chasing after one another. Im not sure whether this behavior was territorial, or courtship related?

After I made my way around the loop, I decided to stop in at Overlook Park in Essex. This park is also on the Winooski river and you can either walk through the woods, or along the boulders and cliffs. The trail in the woods section is primarily hardwoods but around the cliffs, theres a lot of cedar and other coniferous trees. While I did find some birds, it was nearly impossible to get clear recordings due to the busy road and river. However, I did see a lot of Common Grackle and a pair of Belted Kingfishers. One of the coolest parts about this spot was I saw some song birds attacking a Northern Harrier. I assume he got a little too close for comfort to some nesting areas and the birds wanted him gone. I also was able to bring a Black-capped Chickadee within arm distance by pishing!

Because I didn't have the best of luck at Overlook Park, I headed back to Woodside. Once there, I took the St.Mikes trail thats a little bit further up the road. The habitat along that trail was virtually the same as the Woodside loop. However, at one point, I did come across an open field with tall vegetation. I also noticed that since I had come back to Woodside, Common Yellowthroat were everywhere. They were the main bird I heard, and saw while walking down this trail. I did also come across quite a few Gray Catbirds and Field Sparrows.

Julkaistu toukokuu 27, 2021 07:38 IP. käyttäjältä vbessette