Cloudy skies and the threat of rain did not tamp down the spirits of the seventeen birders who assembled at 7:00 a.m. to assess the currant extent of the spring migration at UVDP's "Mystery Trail" area and environs. Their eagerness was rewarded by the recording of fifty-two species. A higher number certainly would have been achieved had reasonably expected species - swamp sparrows, willow and alder flycatchers, yellow-rumped warblers and eastern kingbirds - been present .
Just the same, there were highlights aplenty. Twelve warbler species were tallied including a Nashville and a magnolia warbler. The party had good looks at a blackburnian warbler, and a black and white warbler was heard. Yellow warblers and common yellowthroats, vocal and very territorial, were abundant in the thickets around the wetland and along the river.
In the thrush family, five veeries were a reasonably expected tally, but two swainson's thrushes, one providing an extended view, were a pleasant surprise.
A blue gray gnatcatcher was an unexpected find. An American bittern obligingly exposed itself as it flew into the wetland and thereafter provide good views for all of the party as it foraged in the tall grasses lining the shore.
A complete list of the day's count can be found by clicking on the following eBird link: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S29612088
The next installment of "Feathered Fridays" is scheduled for May 20.
Thanks to Blake Allison for serving as the walk's leader and record-keeper.    
Mascoma Chapter of New Hampshire Audubon


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