About a dozen participants enjoyed this morning’s bird walk which began at the Norwich Inn
and continued to Hopson Road and followed a trail through a portion of Warner Meadows and Sample’s Woods. This walk was held as part of a celebration for the adoption of land and trail easements including a conservation easement for Sample’s Woods and a trail easement for the planned Rosemary Rieser Trail. The Upper Valley Land Trust and the Upper Valley Trails Alliance with help of numerous supporters have this spring achieved preservation with public trail access for this scenic natural area located between Hopson Road and Blood Brook.

Among the 29 bird species found during the hour and twenty minute walk, perhaps the most notable highlight was finding an active Red-bellied Woodpecker nest with both parents in attendance. Although active nests of this species have previously been found in other Upper Valley locations, this, perhaps the first such record for Norwich, is another sign of the continuing northward expansion in the range of this species.

Other highlights of this walk included 6 Chimney Swifts along Main Street, a very conspicuous male Ruby-throated Hummingbird, a singing Carolina Wren, Veeries providing a good sample of their vocal repertoire, and nice views of a mature male American Redstart.

Special thanks to Chris Rimmer for preparing the eBird report for today’s walk.

George Clark
Norwich, VT
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