On Saturday May 11, from 7 am to 12 pm, ten birders gathered at East Rock Park in Hamden for my annual trip there. This is one of the premium spots in the state for observing migration particularly if there has been a heavy movement the night before. Unfortunately such was not the case this time.
We started out on the lower level where we first heard and then saw a Northern Waterthrush which being a migrant raised expectations of many more migrants. Warbling Vireos sounded off but are only local breeders as were the Baltimore Orioles.
We did come across a red phase Eastern Screech Owl which was a joy to see. But the droves of migrants just were not there in numbers. Only single Northern Parulas, American Redstarts or Black and White Warblers for example. No Wilson’s Warbler at “Wilson’s Corner”. We did come across an Eastern Wood Pewee which was a new year bird as we headed for the upper level.
The upper level can be very productive if conditions are right but just as the lower level was quiet so was the upper level. We did pick up both Black Throated Blue and Black Throated Green Warblers and our Scarlet Tanager count climbed to four. So basically, it was the kind of day where we had to really work to pick up new species for the day. On a really good day there can be so many birds that one has to be quick so as not to miss anything.
Despite the conditions we managed to see or hear 55 species.
Paul Desjardins, guide
