PeaksFest

Bird and Beaver Walk

June 26, 2019

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Photo © Patty Wainright

 

Ten eager birders joined Michelle Brown for the 6th Annual PeaksFest Bird and Beaver Walk. Starting at the Backshore path to Battery Steele, Michelle described the marsh habitat and various bird species.
   Iridescent blue/green-backed Tree Swallows posed for the viewers, and a Black-crowned Night Heron flew overhead and landed on the shore, giving the birders a better view of its hefty appearance as compared to other slimmer heron species.
   Deeper in the marsh near Battery Steele, Michelle described ‘edge habitats’ that many bird species prefer for foraging and hiding. An Eastern Tohee was spotted, while a Gray Catbird sang its melodious song nearby.
   Seeing beaver dams, Michelle explained that beavers are vegans and love to eat tree bark. Flitting about over one of the beaver ponds a pair of Common Grackles were observed feeding their young in a hole in a dead tree – worms are on their menu. The birders had a treat as they observed ten Wood Duck chicks, and the male flying overhead. Finally, a Great-crested Flycatcher perched atop a Wood Duck house, and gave a splendid display of its song and beautiful brown and yellow plumage.

   In all 31 species were observed, a satisfying walk on a beautiful morning. See the complete list at 2019 Bird Lists under the Bird Blog tab.