Six determined birders journeyed to Hebron, on arguably the most beautiful morning in recent history. After far fewer navigational upsets than last year, participants enjoyed the antics of several catbirds frolicking in the bushes adjacent to the parking lot. We then marched off to our first stop, where with varying degrees of soggy socks, we identified 4 yellow rumped warblers, one of whom obligingly displayed its’ unmistakable butterbutt. Passing the pond, many robins and bluejays flew overhead, and numerous red winged blackbirds bobbed among the reeds on the far shore.
The trip leaders gave a brief tour of the Pollinator Pathway garden (partially funded by a 2023 HAS grant), and discussed ongoing efforts to reduce mugwort, autumn olive, oriental bittersweet, and Japanese barberry in the Preserve. Rounding the corner to the next sunny field, folks were serenaded by blue jays demonstrating their full repertoire of calls. Picks of the day included the yellow rumps, a northern flicker, and three turkey vultures. Notable misses comprised downy woodpecker, white breasted nuthatch, and raptors other than the turkey vultures. We trekked a mile in just over ninety minutes, and ended the walk with 20 species. Though not the most birdy morning, the heavenly weather and flaming foliage kept spirits up.
Some of the group reconvened over coffee, where the conversation strayed from birding adventures to astrophysics and beyond. A wonderful way to start the day!
Gabrielle and Will Bugden
