Hand Hollow Conservation Area 5/21/20

Date: 5/21/20
Time: 6:45am - 12:00pm
Location: Hand Hollow Conservation Area
Weather: moderate temperature and sunny
Habitat: The area spanned a few different habitat types. At the trail-head was a open field next to a mudflat/marshy area. Beyond this, the environment transitioned into a deciduous forest, which turned into a large stand of young beech trees at the top of a small hill. On the other side was a large pond, surrounded by the same deciduous forest type.

The habitat variation provided opportunities for me to see a wide range of species, however, none were new to me except the great crested flycatcher. There were a couple instances where I heard a song that I didn't recognize, and when I finally located the source, it was a Baltimore oriole. I now feel like I have a sense for how wide a range of songs they can sing, but I've also familiarized myself with the tonal quality that hopefully I won't have this problem again. In general, today was uneventful and just helped me solidify some of my ID skills across the board.
Though not rare by any means, my sighting of Canada geese was special to me. There were two parents, but only one gosling, so they seemed to act very protective of it. In the picture I took, you can see how the parents maintain their pattern of staying ahead and behind their goslings, but they only had one to protect. It made me sad to think of what happened to the others but it was very endearing to see how they cared for their remaining one. There was also a moment where I saw a coyote walking through the woods, just far enough away for me to lose it but close enough to be sure of what it was. I've never seen one in the daylight before so that was a unique experience.

Posted on May 22, 2020 12:34 AM by natalya-h