On Saturday, August 21st, 2021 the MYBC met at the parking area and were greeted by a park ranger who showed us pictures of a Barred Owl he saw earlier that week. With the search image in our heads, we set out in search of birds and other cool things.
Although it was quite warm, some birds were actively feeding on berries and flowers. While we were watching some young Gray Catbirds, a Ruby-throated Hummingbird buzzed by! Flocks of chickadees and titmice seemed to follow us along our walk, until a Red-shouldered Hawk distracted them!
Along the water's edge we got great chances to study the differences between herring, ring-billed and great black-backed gulls. We also got looks at Great and Snowy Egrets along the distant shore. While we were watching the gulls, a small shorebird flew in and landed on the beach in front of us. Everyone got great looks at this lone, adult Least Sandpiper, who had probably been in the arctic tundra a month ago!
Although we didn't catch up with any owls, we had fun impersonating them. As we left, an Osprey wished us farewell!
Altogether, we saw 24 different species of birds (eBird Checklist here). We hope you can join us on one of our upcoming events!