At 7:30am on October 5th, 2024, eleven birders met at the Church Street parking of Raymond Brook Preserve in Hebron. The group was compromised of 8 HAS members (including 2 leaders), plus 3 brand new birders.
Under cloudy skies, we set off through a grassy field with brushy edges, where we encountered several dozen robins feeding on berries, as well as many catbirds. Making our way out to the path, we spotted an immature male rose breasted grosbeak, which stayed put at the edge of the overgrowth long enough for everyone to get a good look. After pausing at the pollinator garden (partially funded by a 2022 HAS grant), we had great thought distant looks at a vocal northern flicker, perched at the top of a snag at the edge of a clearing. The woods and fields proved to be quiet for a bit after that, but perseverance paid off and everyone got to see a yellow rumped warbler feeding in the overgrowth at the edge of a corn field. About half the group also glimpsed a Nashville warbler! The sun began to come out as we strolled back to the parking lot, and we finished our two- hour trek with a turkey vulture circling overhead, and a red shouldered hawk gliding over the pond.
Abundant species included blue jay, and white throated sparrow. Notably absent were tufted titmice. We capped our list at 24 species.
Following the walk, six of us met for breakfast, where we chatted about all things HAS, and birding both locally and afar.
Thanks to all who attended!
Gabrielle Bugden
