Field Ornithology 2021 - May 27

Locations:
Hinesburg Town Forest
Charlotte Park & Wildlife Refuge

Checklists:
https://ebird.org/vt/checklist/S89071680
https://ebird.org/vt/checklist/S89108863
https://ebird.org/vt/checklist/S89107901
https://ebird.org/vt/checklist/S89108523
https://ebird.org/vt/checklist/S89084104

I spent half the morning at Hinesburg Town Forest, trying to make up for my missed day focused on forest birds. A highlight right off the bat was a male Mourning Warbler that I was able to ID by song which was new for me. Then I was able to track him down and get some photos, so the song was really solidified in my brain by seeing him sing. In the large blow down area that has now grown up into shrub/young forest, I heard countersinging Canada Warblers. In the same spot, I also got an Eastern Towhee, so it was interesting to see how that natural disturbance created ideal habitat for interior forest species as well as some shrubland birds. After awhile, I stopped adding any new species, so I headed to Charlotte Park. I almost drove off the road when I heard the distinctive song of an Eastern Meadowlark. I pulled over and spent some time watching a pair of Meadowlarks engaging in some chasing behavior and at least one of them perching up and singing. I also heard a male Bobolink singing in the same field.

At the Charlotte Park I was excited to see such a mix of cedars, hickory, and oak and what that habitat might turn up. I was also rather horrified by the extent of invasive honeysuckle! A highlight was a couple unknown flycatchers that I was able to ID by paying close attention to field marks and getting recordings of their songs. I also had a Blue-winged Warbler (or at least a winged warbler singing the typical Blue-winged Warbler song). I was excited to experience the site for the first time and will definitely be going back!

Posted on May 28, 2021 12:58 AM by lizamorse