On Monday morning (April 19) Sam Evans and I visited Todd Eastin's place
in Shady Valley to see if the Evening Grosbeaks were still hanging out
up there. We were not disappointed: Shortly after arriving (a little
after 8:00 am) they showed up. We estimated there were at least 60, but
they were constantly moving around through the trees, and back and forth
to the feeders, making them hard to count. Wonderful experience!! A
life species for Sam, and the first for me since the early to mid-1970s.
We sure appreciate Todd's hospitality--a very enjoyable visit.
After leaving, we decided to make a brief tour of the bogs.
*Quarry Bog: *We parked just past the gate and were greeted by what
sounded like the "toots" of Northern Saw-whet Owls. There were several
coming from the trees near a marshy area. After few minutes, the sounds
stopped, and we did not hear them again. I don't have much experience
with this species. We did not see any owls. Subsequently, I have
contacted Stephen Hopp and Cade Campbell to get their input. And Todd
Eastin will be visiting the location to see what he can hear or see.
Stay tuned. (Todd told me later that a neighbor reported hearing
Saw-whet owls up in Owl Hollow this past winter)
1. Red-winged Blackbird (numerous)
2. Brown-headed Cowbird
3. Turkey Vulture
4. Mallard Duck
5. Canada Goose
6. Am. Song Sparrow
7. Crow
8. Robin
9. E. Meadowlark
10. N. Cardinal
*School House Bog*
1. Canada Goose
2. Am. Song Sparrow
3. N. Flicker
4. Field Sparrow
5. N. Cardinal
6. Red-winged Blackbird
7. Tree Swallow
8. Crow
9. E. Towhee
10. Blue Jay
11. Common Yellowthroat
12. Turkey Vulture
*Orchard Bog*
1. Turkey Vulture
2. Crow
3. Swamp Sparrow
4. Field Sparrow
5. Great-blue Heron (1)
6. Carolina Wren
7. E. Phoebe
8. Tufted Titmouse
9. Golden-crowned Kinglet
*Musick's Campground*
1. House Finch
2. Blue Jay
3. N. Mockingbird
4. Tree Swallows
5. Killdeer (1)
6. Caspian Tern (1)
7. Ring-billed Gull (10)
8. Bonaparte Gull (12)
9. Mallard Duck (1)
10. E. Towhee_
**
**
_
_
