2014 Greenway Walks

The record for most species identified was on Wednesday, May 7. A group of 10 birders, led by Paula, identified 56 different species. Sponsored by the Franklin Bird Club.

Karen Lawrence says: 10/29/2014 at 2:02 pm Edit What a fabulous end to our 2014 bird walks on the Greenway!!! Rita, Tom, Jean H., Debbie, Ellen, Jim, Misty, Chris W., Pat, Ned, Brent, Angela, and Karen showed up on a cloudy, about to rain day and looked for the birds. Right away we were treated to an immature Red-tailed Hawk lifting up over us and giving us a good view. Then Jim spotted a Cooper’s Hawk in a tree to our right. A flight of Canada Geese soared in the distance. And….we found the immature Red-headed Woodpecker visiting its favorite tree–that makes about a month that we have seen the Red-headed WPs in this area! We also saw: Sharp-shinned Hawk (thanks to Jim), Mourning Dove, Red-bellied WP, Northern Flicker, Eastern Phoebe, Blue Jay (lots), American Crow, Fish Crow, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee, Carolina Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Eastern Bluebird, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Eastern Towhee, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, House Finch, and American Goldfinch, for a total of 28 species. Thanks to all who came and helped bird the Greenway this year! Many thanks to Ellen and Jim Shelton for their expertise and helping lead the library walks. They are both excellent teachers and we have learned a lot from them this year. We welcome all the new birders that have joined us and hope you all return next April to join in again. We have had a good year of birding and a lot of fun together. Please remember to post any interesting sightings you have. Come join in the Christmas Bird Count January 3, 2015.

Paula Gorgoglione says: 10/25/2014 at 2:17 pm Edit Our final Salali Lane birdwalk on Oct. 22 started off on the “chilly” side–about 38 degrees when I first arrived–but it warmed up into a wonderful day for being on the Greenway! I was joined by 6 enthusiastic birders: Jean H., Ned K., Ann B., Renee S., Diane E., and Rita S. and we saw/heard 34 species. Some of our Winter residents were back, including the Swamp Sparrow, the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, as well as a large flock of Yellow-rumped Warblers.The rest of the species were: about 134 Canada Geese flying over us in waves, Turkey Vultures, Red-shouldered Hawk, Mourning Doves, Rock Pigeons, Red-bellied and Downy Wdps., N.Flickers, Pileated Wdp., E.Phoebes, Blue Jays, Am.Crows, Fish Crows, Tufted Titmice, C.Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatches, C. Wrens, House Wren, E.Bluebird, Am.Robins, N.Mockingbirds, Brown Thrashers, Eur.Starlings, Cedar Waxwings, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, N.Cardinals, E.Towhees, Field Sparrows, Song Sparrows, and Am.Goldfinches. Please join us for our FINAL GREENWAY WALK of this year–next Wed., Oct. 29, at the Library. I would like to say a BIG THANKS to all who joined us throughout the Spring, Summer, and Fall walks–you were all FANTASTIC!!!!!

Karen Lawrence says: 10/15/2014 at 2:34 pm Edit October 15 and very foggy and cool after a huge rainfall of close to 4 inches the day before. We had 5 birders; Karen, Jean H. Renee S., Ned, and Tom. The River was high and muddy, and had obviously been out of its banks, but the birds were active and we found 27 species: Canada Geese, Blue-winged Teal, Turkey Vultures, Mourning Dove, Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-bellied WP, Downy, WP, Northern Flicker, Pileated WP, Eastern Phoebe, Blue-headed Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, Eastern Bluebird, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Palm Warblers, Northern Cardinal, EAstern Towhee, Field Sparrow, House Finch, and American Goldfinches for a total of 27 species. Two more bird walks to enjoy. Come join us! Next Wednesday at Salali Lane.

Paula Gorgoglione says: 10/10/2014 at 10:46 am Edit There was a little morning rain on October 8 but it was over by the time we met for our bird walk–and it was one more perfect morning for birding!!! I was joined by three eager birders–Jean H., Jean B., and Diane E.. Together we saw/heard 36 species. Our first great sighting was of a Swainson’s Thrush near our parking area but we also got to see it again at the other end of Salali Lane and from the Tassee Bridge. On our way back we had a Double-crested Cormorant which kept circling over us with something dangling–unfortunately I’m afraid that it might have been a broken leg hanging out from under his wing??? The other 34 species were: over 80 Canada Geese flying over in several large flocks, Turkey Vulture, Broad-winged Hawk, Mourning Doves, Rock Pigeons, Red-bellied & Downy and Pileated Wdps., N.Flickers, E.Wood Pewee, E.Phoebes, Blue Jays, Am.Crows, Fish Crow, Tufted Titmice, C.Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatches, C.Wrens, E.Bluebird, Am.Robins, Gray Catbirds, N.Mockingbirds, Brown Thrasher, Eur.Starlings, Cedar Waxwings, Tennessee Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Am.Redstart, Scarlet Tanager, N.Cardinals, E.Towhees, Song Sparrows, and Am.Goldfinches. We only have three more scheduled Greenway birdwalks–so come on out to the Library area on Oct. 15 and 29 as well as to Salali Lane on Oct. 22.

Ellen Shelton says: 10/01/2014 at 2:48 pm Edit We started and ended our walk this morning in the fog, but it was still a lovely morning to be outside. Jim and I were joined by Ann, Ned, George, and Jean B. We saw/heard a total of 34 species. The highlight was a Red-headed Woodpecker that everyone was able to see quite well. In addition, we identified a Great-blue Heron, Wood Duck, Mourning Dove, Red-bellied and Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Eastern Wood-pewee, Eastern Phoebe, Blue Jay, Am Crow, Tufted Titmouse, Caroline Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina and House Wren, Eastern Bluebird, Am Robin, Gray Catbird, N Mockingbird, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, N Parula, Magnolia and Palm Warbler, N Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Eastern Towhee, Field and Song Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, and American Goldfinch. A very nice way to start the month! Join us next week at Salali Lane at 8 am for another good bird walk.

Paula Gorgoglione says: 09/26/2014 at 4:41 pm Edit Our walk on Sept. 24 was a little chilly at the start but the morning evolved into ideal weather for us and for the birds. I was joined by 6 others: Jim and Ellen S., Diane E., Tom B. and two from Florida, Scott Bryan and his mother Noreen. We saw/heard 48 species with our greatest surprise being a Raven which was first heard and then seen as it flew over us when we were still on Salali Lane. Here’s the list of the other 47 species: Canada Goose, Turkey Vultures, Red-shouldered Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Killdeer, Mourning Doves, Rock Pigeons, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Red-bellied and Downy and Hairy and Pileated Wdps., N.Flickers, E.Phoebes, White-eyed Vireo, Blue Jays, Am.Crows, Fish Crow, Tufted Titmice, C.Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatch, C.Wrens, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, E.Bluebird, Am.Robins, Wood Thrush, Gray Catbirds, N.Mockingbirds, Brown Thrashers, Eur.Starlings, Cedar Waxwings, N.Parula, Tennessee Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warblers, Magnolia Warblers, Black-throated Green Warblers, Am.Redstarts, Common Yellowthroats, N.Cardinals, several Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Indigo Buntings, E.Towhees, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrows, House Finches, and Am.Goldfinches. Join us next Wednesday, Oct. 1, at the Library.

Ellen Shelton says: 09/17/2014 at 11:51 am Edit Today was another beautiful morning to be outside on a bird walk. Jim and I were joined by Sarah, Karen, Ned, George, Sharon, Jean B, Jean H, and Tom. Together we saw/heard a total of 30 species- Turkey Vulture, Mourning Dove, Chimney Swift, Red-bellied and Downey WP, Northern Flicker, Eastern Wood-pewee, Eastern Phoebe, Blue Jay, Am Crow, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina and House Wren, Eastern Bluebird, Am Robin, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Northern Parula, Magnolia and Yellow-throated Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, Northern Cardinal, Indigo Bunting, Eastern Towhee, Field and Song Sparrow, House Finch, and Goldfinch. Join us next week at Salali Lane for another fun morning of birding.

Paula Gorgoglione says: 09/12/2014 at 10:33 am Edit How many ways can I keep saying that it was a beautiful morning for birding!??! And I was joined by 8 others–Jim and Ellen, Tom B., Ann B., Diane E., Rita S., Ned K., and Sarah S.–who found 41 species. Our most exciting bird was first spotted by Tom–it was a Red-headed Woodpecker flying over us!!! It’s been at least 8 years since I have seen one around the Greenway. Here’s the list of the others seen or heard: Canada Goose, Turkey and Black Vultures, a Cooper’s Hawk in flight, Mourning Doves, Rock Pigeons, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Belted KIngfisher, Red-bellied and Downy Wdps., E.Phoebe, Great-crested Flycatcher, Red-eyed Vireo, many White-eyed Vireos, Blue Jays, American and Fish Crows, Tufted Titmice, C.Chickadees, C.Wrens, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, E.Bluebirds, Am.Robins, Gray Catbirds, N.Mockingbirds, Brown Thrashers, Eur.Starlings, Cedar Waxwings, N.Parulas, Magnolia Warbler, many Yellow-throated Warblers, Am.Redstarts, Hooded Warbler, N.Cardinals, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, E.Towhees, Song Sparrows, House Finches, and Am.Goldfinches. As migration picks up there will be many great finds ahead–so pick up your binoculars and join us next Wednesday at the Library section of the Greenway!

Karen Lawrence says: 09/03/2014 at 3:43 pm Edit A surprisingly good day of birding after a night of rainfall and early morning rain. The sky cleared and the birds came out and the birders showed up! New birder, Kay joined Jim, Ellen, Rita, Ned, Jean H., George, Tom, Lewis, and Karen. We saw/heard 37 species: Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, Chimney Swifts, Ruby-throated Hummers, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied WP, Downy WP, Northern Flicker, Eastern Wood-pewee, Eastern Phoebe, White-eyed Vireo, Blue-headed Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Eastern Bluebird, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, Starling, Cedar Waxwing-lots, Northern Parula, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Cardinal, Indigo bunting, Blue Grosbeak, Towhee, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrow, House finch, and American Goldfinch. We had the bonus of being graced with a “sundog” which is a sort of halo produced by the light interacting with ice crystals and appears to the right and left of the sun. We could only see the one to the left because of clouds on the right. We were also accompanied by a cute little dog until his master called him away. You never know what you might see on a Greenway bird walk! Come join us next week at Salali Lane.

Paula Gorgoglione says: 08/27/2014 at 3:34 pm Edit Aug. 27 was another perfectly WONDERFUL morning for a bird walk along the Greenway and I was joined by 11 fabulous birders and we saw/heard 42 species. Our birders were Jean H. Ned K., Jim and Ellen S., Mary Q., Tom B., Ann B., Jean B., Renee S., Dianne E., and Rita S. And our sightings were the following: Mallards in flight, Turkey and Black Vultures, an immature Cooper’s Hawk on a tree right in front of us!, 2 Red-shouldered Hawks, an American Kestrel on a lampost by the field, Killdeer, Mourning Doves, Rock Pigeons, Chimney Swift, lots of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Red-bellied and Downy and Pileated Wdps., N.Flicker, E. Wood-Pewee, Red-eyed Vireo, White-eyed Vireo, Blue Jays, Am.Crows, Fish Crows, Tufted Titmice, C.Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wrens, House Wrens, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, E.Bluebirds, Am.Robins, lots of Gray Catbirds, N.Mockingbirds, Eur.Starlings, Cedar Waxwings, N.Parulas, Black-throated Green Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, N.Cardinals, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, E.Towhees, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrows, and Am.Goldfinches. Don’t miss next week’s walk on Sept.3 along the Greenway by the Library!

Ellen Shelton says: 08/22/2014 at 12:37 pm Edit The morning of 8/20 started out quite foggy, but eventually cleared and ended with beautiful weather. We had a total of 34 species, and 16 birders. Jim and I were joined by Pat, Sarah, Kendra, Tom, Wendy, Robert, Jean H, Renee R, Michael, Mary, Jim C, George, Diane, and Renee S. Species seen/heard were turkey vulture, mourning dove, rock pigeon, red-bellied, downy, and pileated woodpecker, eastern wood-pewee, eastern phoebe, red-eyed and white-eyed vireo, blue jay, American crow, tufted titmouse, Carolina chickadee, white-breasted nuthatch, Carolina wren, blue-grey gnatcatcher, eastern bluebird, American robin, gray catbird, northern mockingbird, European starling, cedar waxwing, chestnut-sided and hooded warbler, northern cardinal, indigo bunting, eastern towhee, field, chipping, and song sparrow, common grackle, house finch, and American goldfinch. We were happy to have some new birders with us, as well as some of our regulars. Come join us next week at 8:00 Salali Lane for more birding!

Paula Gorgoglione says: Wow–what a beautiful day to be outside and on a birdwalk!!! I had 9 great birders join me–Ned was back from his great trip out West, Jean H., Jean B., Ann B., Rita S., Diane E., William M. and Gabriel (visiting from Oregon), and Renee S. Although the weather was heavenly, many of our birds were rather quiet–but together we identified 37 species which were the following: Turkey Vultures, Mourning Doves, Rock Pigeons, lots of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Red-bellied Wdps., Downy Wdps., N.Flicker, E.Phoebes, 2 Great-crested Flycatchers (we haven’t seen many of those this summer), E.Kingbirds, White-eyed Vireo, Blue Jays, Am.Crows, Fish Crow, Tufted Titmice, C.Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatches, Carolina Wrens, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Am.Robins, Gray Catbirds, N.Mockingbirds, Brown Thrasher, Eur.Starlings, Cedar Waxwings, N.Parulas, Black and White Warblers, Am.Redstart, Yellow-breasted Chat, N.Cardinals, Indigo Buntings, E.Towhees, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrows, Common Grackle, House Finch, and Am.Goldfinches. I know we missed identifying a few warblers so come out next week for our walk on Wed., Aug. 20, at the Library and help us out.

Karen Lawrence says: 08/06/2014 at 1:33 pm Edit Wonderful bird walk at the library this morning! Jean B., Lenny, Jim and Ellen, Jim C., George, Rita, Diane, and Karen joined for the walk. Immediately we found many different birds feeding on the berries in the trees and lots of immature birds confusing us for a bit, especially Eastern Bluebirds. Our 32 species included: Canada Geese, Turkey Vulture, Mourning Dove, Rock Pigeon, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy WP, Pileated WP, EAstern Phoebe, Red-eyed Vireo, White-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, Barn Swallow, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (lots), Eastern Bluebird (again, lots), NOrthern Mockingbird, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Scarlet Tanager (both male and female), Northern Cardinal, Indigo Bunting, Eastern Towhee, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, and American Goldfinch. Come join us next week at Salali Lane. Paula Gorgoglione says: Just a few birds to add to the count for Wed., Aug.6: I was able to walk on the Greenway near the Library in the afternoon which was a very HOT part of the day and the birds were rather silent. However, I did have 2 Coopers Hawks in the air together, a Chipping Sparrow, and I came face-to-face with the Yellow-billed Cuckoo in a bush between the Community Garden and the “Walmart” bridge. That’s the first Cuckoo I have had a chance to see this year!

Paula Gorgoglione says: 07/30/2014 Once again we had a gorgeous morning for birding and 6 EXPERT birders joined me on Wed., July 30. Jim and Ellen, Renee and MIchael, Romney B. and Jean B. were a great team that helped me find 47 species. Here they are: Green Heron, Canada Geese, Turkey Vultures, Killdeer, Mourning Doves, Rock Pigeons, Chimney Swifts, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Belted Kingfisher, Red-Bellied and Downy Wdps., Hairy Wdp., N.Flickers, Pileated Wdp., E.Phoebes, E.Kingbirds, Red-eyed Vireos, Blue Jays, Am.Crows, Fish Crows, Barn Swallows, Cliff Swallow, Tufted Titmice, C.Chickadees, C.Wrens, House Wrens, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Am.Robins, Gray Catbirds, N.Mockingbirds, Brown Thrashers, Eur.Starlings, Cedar Waxwings, N.Parulas, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Am.Redstarts, Hooded Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, N.Cardinals, Indigo Buntings, E.Towhees, Field Sparrows, Song Sparrows, Common Grackles, House Finches, and Am.Goldfinches. Come join us next Wed. for our walk on Aug. 6 at the Library section of the Greenway.

Ellen Shelton says: 07/24/2014 Our walk from the library on July 23 started out cool and foggy, but ended sunny and warm with a total of 41 species seen and/or heard. Jim and I were joined by Jean H, Renee A, Debbie, Ann, Rita, Diane, and Don and Janice S. We saw many immature Indigo Buntings, E Bluebirds, Cedar Waxwings, and Field Sparrows enjoying all the natural seeds and berries. Other species found were Turkey Vulture, Mourning Dove, Rock Pigeon, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Red-bellied and Downy Wpk, N Flicker, E Phoebe, White-eyed and Yellow-throated Vireo, Blue Jay, Am Crow, Purple Martin, Tufted Titmouse, C Chickadee, White-br Nuthatch, Carolina and House Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Am Robin, Wood Thrush, Gray Catbird, N Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, Eu Starling, Chestnut-sided and Black and White Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Scarlet Tanager, N Cardinal, Blue Grosbeak, E Towhee, Song Sparrow, Orchard Oriole, House Finch, and Am Goldfinch. After leaving the library Jim and I saw five turkeys being watched by one groundhog, just past the bridge going to the round about. It was a great morning. Come join us next week at Salali Lane to see what might show up. Paula will be starting the walk there at 8 am.

Paula Gorgoglione says: 07/18/2014 at 4:31 pm Edit I don’t think we could have ordered a more perfect morning for our walk on July 16–it was cool, sunny and breezy and the birds loved it as well. Together 11 of us found 44 species. I was joined by Ann B., Renee R., Diane E., Rita S., Lenny D., Mark and Laurie who are friends of Jim and Ellen who were also there, and Jean B. These are the species seen/heard: Turkey and Black Vultures, Broad-winged Hawk, Mourning Doves, Rock Pigeons, Chimney Swift, Belted Kingfishers, Red-bellied Wdp., Downy Wdp., Hairy Wdp., N.Flicker, Pileated Wdp., E.Phoebes, E.Kingbirds, White-eyed Vireos, Blue Jays, Am. Crows and Fish Crows, N.Rough-winged Swallows, Barn Swallow, Tufted Titmice, C.Chickadees, C.Wrens, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Am.Robins, Gray Catbirds, N.Mockingbirds, Brown Thrashers, Eur.Starlings, N.Parulas, Yellow-throated Warbler, Black and White Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chats, Indigo Buntings, E.Towhees, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrows, Common Grackles, Orchard Orioles, House Finches, Am.Goldfinches, Great Blue Heron, and Canada Geese. Hopefully next Wednesday, July 23, will be another great day for birding–so come join us at the Library section of the Greenway.

Ellen Shelton says: 07/10/2014 at 7:28 pm Edit It was great to be back with the birding group at the library. July 9 found Jean B, Jean H, and Rita joining Jim and me for the morning walk. We found 35 species, including a group of immature House Finches that had us puzzled for a bit. Other species seen included Mourning Dove, Rock Pigeon, Chimney Swift, R-th Hummingbird, Red-bellied and Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, E Phoebe, Red-eyed and White-eyed Vireo, Am Crow, Purple Martin, N Rough-winged and Barn Swallow, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee, White-br Nuthatch, Carolina and House Wren, Blue-gr Gnatcatcher, E Bluebird, Am Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Yellow-breasted Chat (our only warbler species of the day) Northern Cardinal, Indigo Bunting, E Towhee, Field and Song Sparrow, Orchard Oriole, and Am Goldfinch. Join us next week, 8 am at Salali Lane for more birding! Ellen

Paula Gorgoglione says: 07/02/2014 at 5:01 pm Edit Our walk this morning on July 2 was great but it’s starting to really feel like summer as the sun beat down on us by midmorning. I was joined by Jean H., Jim and Ellen, Renee S., Diane E., and Rita S. and we saw 41 species. They were the following: Canada Geese, Turkey Vultures, Mourning Doves, Rock Pigeons, Chimney Swifts, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied and Downy Wdps., N.Flicker, Pileated Wdp., White-eyed Vireos, Blue Jays, Am.Crows, N.Rough-winged Swallows, Barn Swallows, Cliff Swallows, Tufted Titmice, Carolina Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wrens, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, E.Bluebirds, Am.Robins, Gray Catbirds, N.Mockingbirds, Eur.Starlings, Cedar Waxwing, N.Parulas, Black and White Warbler, Hooded Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chats, N.Cardinals, Indigo Buntings, E.Towhees, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrows, Brown-headed Cowbirds, Common Grackles, Orchard Orioles(both male and female together and also an immature male), and Am.Goldfinches. Come join us next week at the Library with Karen!!!

Karen Lawrence says: 06/25/2014 at 8:04 pm Edit Our June 25th bird walk on the library section of the Greenway was most pleasant and 12 of us showed up to help see and hear on this cloudy morning. Jean H., Kathy, Mary, David, Lynn, Ann, Bev, Don and Eva, Diane, Renee joined me. It is so wonderful to have so many new and interested people learning about birds. Our highlights were hearing the Yellow breasted Chats, Indigo Buntings, Field Sparrows and one Yellow-billed Cuckoo. We had nice sightings of a young Pileated Woodpecker, Phoebes bobbing their tails, and a close view of a White breasted Nuthatch. We were serenaded by Song Sparrows, a Wood Thrush and Eastern Towhees. Our walk was cut a bit short by the rain that finally came but we ended up with a good 29 species: Mourning Dove, Rock Pigeon, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Chimney Swift, Downy WP, Pileated WP, Eastern Phoebe, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, N. Rough-winged Swallow, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Eastern Bluebird, American Robin, Wood Thrush, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, Black and White Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Northern Cardinal, Indigo Bunting, Eastern Towhee, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrow, and American Goldfinch. Hope to see you all back soon. Next week is Paula’s walk at Salalie Lane.

Paula Gorgoglione says: 06/21/2014 at 3:06 pm Edit Our walk on June 18, 2014 was just gorgeous–the sun was shining, the birds were singing and posing for us, and we had a great group of 10 birders with keen eyesight and hearing to find them. Those with me were Pat M., David H., Lynne S., Diane E., Rosemarie Kelley, Ann Brown, Jean Brewer, Renee Sasslau, and Renee Rubin. It was great to have so many new birders join us and we hope to see them again. In total we had 40 species which were the following: a Great Blue Heron in flight, lots of Canada Geese with their young, Turkey Vultures and Black Vultures, Mourning Doves, Rock Pigeons, Red-bellied Wdps., Downy Wdps., Pileated Wdp., E.Phoebes, E.Kingbird, Blue Jays, Am.Crows, Fish Crow, N.Rough-winged Swallows, lots of Tree Swallows(with their young on the bushes, trees and wires near the Tassee Bridge), Barn Swallows, Cliff Swallows, Tufted Titmice, Carolina Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wrens, Am.Robins, Wood Thrush, Gray Catbirds, N.Mockingbirds, Brown Thrasher, Eur.Starlings, N.Parulas, Yellow-throated Warblers, several Yellow-breasted Chats were easily seen, N.Cardinals, Indigo Buntings, E.Towhees, Field Sparrows, Song Sparrows, Brown-headed Cowbirds, Common Grackles, Orchard Orioles, and Am.Goldfinches. So come join us next Wed.,June25, and start marking your new Franklin Bird Club T-shirts with all the species you find.

Karen Lawrence says: 06/12/2014 at 11:37 am Edit A cloudy day with prediction of rain and still 7 people showed up to help me bird below the library; Ned, Jean B., Don, Diane, Debbie, Allene and Dan joined me. We heard lots of singing with continuous voices of Field Sparrows, Yellow-breasted Chats, Indigo Buntings, and Wood Thrush. In addition we heard/saw Turkey Vulture, Mourning Dove, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Pileated WP, Eastern Phoebe, White-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Carolina Chicadee,White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, House Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Eastern Bluebird, European Starling, Northern Parula, Hooded Warbler, Northern Cardinal, Eastern Towhee, Song Sparrow, Brown-headed Cowbird, House Finch, and American Goldfinch for a total of 28 species. Thanks to Don for his very good ears and help with identification. Also, we enjoyed having Debbie back and having Allene and Dan join us to learn more about birds. Please join Paula on Salalie Lane next Wednesday for some exciting birding.

Paula Gorgoglione says: 06/06/2014 at 3:47 pm Edit Once again it was a great morning for birding on June 4 and I was joined by Jean H., Ned K., Jim S., Pat Noisworthy, David and Corinn Chambless, David H. and Lynn, and Rita S. Together we saw/heard 46 species — of special note was the sighting of the Great-crested Flycatcher as well as a Hairy Woodpecker. The others were the following: a gathering of Canada Geese with all their goslings of various sizes, Mallards, Turkey Vultures, a Broad-winged Hawk, Mourning Doves and Rock Pigeons, Chimney Swifts, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied Wdps., Downy Wdp., N.Flickers, Pileated Wdp., E.Phoebes, E.Kingbird, White-eyed Vireo, Blue Jays, Am.Crows, N.Rough-winged Swallows, Tree Swallows, Barn Swallows, Cliff Swallows, Tufted Titmice, C.Chickadees, C.Wrens, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, E.Bluebirds, Am.Robins, N.Mockingbirds, Brown Thrashers, Eur.Starlings, Cedar Waxwings, N.Parulas, Yellow-throated Warbler, Hooded Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chats, N.Cardinals, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Buntings, E.Towhees, Field Sparrows, Song Sparrows, Brown-headed Cowbirds, Orchard Oriole, and Am.Goldfinch. After the walk my husband and I had a picnic lunch along the Greenway at the Rotary Shelter behind Highlands Road and that is a great place to bird while relaxing and eating. In addition to many of the birds listed above, I watched a Black and White Warbler making its way up and down a nearby tree; the Gray Catbird was also making it’s presence known, and there were Yellow-throated Warblers and the White-eyed Vireo calling. The House Finch was also nearby. So don’t miss next week’s walk on June 11 with Karen at the LIbrary!!!

Karen Lawrence says: 05/28/2014 at 12:31 pm Edit May 28, 2014 Karen led a bird walk on the Greenway at the library entrance this morning. Rene, David, Don, Jim, Ned, and Rita joined. We had a foggy start but heard Cedar Waxwings right off, then Don heard a Hooded Warbler, and Carolina Wren and House Wren. It became a morning of Eastern Bluebirds, Waxwings, and Indigo Buntings. We had to work hard to get our 31 species which also included: Turkey Vulture, Red-shouldered Hawk, Mourning Dove, Chimney Swift, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Pileated WP, Red-eyed Vireo, White-eyed Vireo, American Crow, Fish Crow, N. Rough-winged Swallow, Tree Swallow, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, American Robin, Brown Thrasher, European Starling, Cedar Waxwings on a nest, Yellow-breasted Chat, Northern Cardinal, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Brown-headed Cowbird, and American Goldfinch. We had several almost seen birds, being very secretive.

Ellen Shelton says: 05/21/2014 at 7:53 pm Edit It was a beautiful day today, May 21, 2014, and the birds were fairly cooperative at Salali Lane. Jim Shelton led the group, and was joined by Karen, Jean H, Ned, Chris, Susan and Rita. A total of 45 species were seen/heard: Canada geese, Red-shouldered Hawk, Broad-wing Hawk, Spotted Sandpiper, Mourning Dove, Rock Pigeon, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, Eastern Kingbird, Red-eyed Vireo, White-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, Fish Crow, N. Rough-winged Swallow, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee, Carolina Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, American Robin, Gray Catbird, N. Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Northern Parula, Yellow-breasted Chat, N. Cardinal, Indigo Bunting, Eastern Towhee, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Brown-headed Cowbird, Common Grackle (eating a crawfish), Orchid Oriole, and American Goldfinch. Next week’s walk will start at the library, see you there!

Karen Lawrence says: 05/14/2014 at 1:12 pm Edit get-attachment-13.aspxMay 14 started very foggy and cool, however the birds were singing and Ned, Don, Diane, Rene, David, Lynn, Rita, Jean B., and Karen arrived eager to find those birds. Seemed like the migration has really slowed as we found only 37 species today and mostly residents. Birds heard or seen were: Turkey Vulture, Black, V., Broad-winged Hawk, Mourning Dove, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied WP, Downy WP, Pileated WP, Eastern Phoebe, Red-eyed Vireo, White-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, N. Rough-winged Swallow, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Eastern Bluebird, American Robin, Wood Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, European Starling (nesting in the Kestrel box), Northern Parula, Common Yellowthroat, Hooded Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Northern Cardinal, Indigo Bunting, Eastern Towhee, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Brown-headed Cowbird, Red-winged Blackbird, American Goldfinch.

Paula Gorgoglione says: 05/07/2014 at 9:26 pm Edit get-attachment-14.aspxWow–what a wonderful day for birding!!! On our walk on May 7, I was joined by 9 avid birders–Jean H., Don F., Jim S., Jim C., Jim and Bev, Diane, Rita, and Ned. Together we saw/heard 56 species!!! Of special note was the sighting of an American Bittern first spotted by Diane from the Tassee Bridge. It was perched along the edge of the Cullasaja River and then it flew up the Cullasaja out of sight. But we got a view of its blackish outer wings which helped to identify it. We also saw the Cliff swallows back in their nests and the Yellow-breasted Chats were finally spotted and heard. We also enjoyed seeing both the male and female Orchard Orioles together as well as a good view of a Scarlet Tanager. The other 51 species were the following: Canada Geese (5 goslings), Wood Duck, Turkey Vultures, Red-shouldered Hawk (carrying his “lunch” in his talons), Spotted Sandpipers, Mourning Doves, Rock Pigeons, a Eur. Collared Dove (first I’ve ever seen along the Greenway), Chimney Swifts, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied and Downy Wdps., E.Phoebe, E.Kingbirds, Red-eyed Vireo, White-eyed Vireos, Blue Jays, Am. Crows, Fish Crows, N.Rough-winged Swallows, Tree Swallows, Barn Swallows, Tufted Titmice, C.Chickadees, C.Wrens, House Wrens, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, E.Bluebirds, Am.Robins, Wood Thrush, Gray Catbird, N.Mockingbirds, Brown Thrashers, Eur.Starlings, Cedar Waxwings, N.Parulas, Magnolia Warbler, Palm Warbler, Yellow-throated Warblers, Hooded Warbler, N.Cardinals, Indigo Buntings, E.Towhees, Field Sparrows, Song Sparrows, Brown-headed Cowbirds, Red-winged Blackbirds, Common Grackles, House Finches, and Am.Goldfinches. Thanks to all who came and don’t forget to join us next Wed., May14.

Paula Gorgoglione says: 04/25/2014 at 3:44 pm Edit On Wednesday, April 23, it started chilly but what a beautiful morning was ahead. And what an awesome team we had–Romney Bathurst, Pablo Escandon, Rita StClair, Jim Shelton, Jim Curtis, Ned Kraft, Jim and Bev Upson, and me! Together we found 44 species–flying overhead we had an Osprey and 2 sightings of a Broad-winged Hawk, and we had really good views of the Yellow Warbler, the Yellow-throated Vireo, the White-eyed Vireo, the Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, N.Parulas and the Palm Warblers. The Canada Geese were showing off their new families–one pair had 5 goslings right in front of us on the path. The other species were a Mallard (in flight), Turkey Vultures, Mourning Doves, Rock Pigeons, Chimney Swifts, Red-bellied Wdps., Downy Wdp., N.Flicker, E.Phoebe, Blue Jays, Am.Crows, Fish Crow, N.Rough-winged Swallows, Tree Swallows, Barn Swallows, Tufted Titmice, Carolina Chickadees, Carolina Wrens, House Wrens, E.Bluebirds, Am.Robins, Wood Thrush, N.Mockingbirds, Brown Thrasher, Eur.Starling, Yellow-throated Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, N.Cardinals, E.Towhees, Field Sparrow, White-Throated Sparrows, Song Sparrows, Brown-headed Cowbirds, House Finches, and Am.Goldfinches. Come join us next Wednesday for another birding adventure along the Greenway! get-attachment-6.aspx

Ellen Shelton says: 04/17/2014 at 9:29 am Edit April 16, 2014 The morning started out at 30 degrees, but quickly warmed up and turned into a great birding morning, led by Jim Shelton and joined by Karen, Jean H, Rita, Barbara, Ross, Susie, and Jim C. 33 species were seen, highlighted by a great view of a perched Cooper’s hawk and many sparrow species. The others sightings included mallard, turkey vulture, black vulture, mourning dove, red-bellied, downy, and pileated woodpeckers, eastern phoebe, white-eyed vireo, blue jay, American crow, n rough-winged swallow, tufted titmouse, Carolina chickadee, white-breasted nuthatch, Carolina wren, house wren, blue-gray gnatcatcher, e bluebird, American robin, n mockingbird, n cardinal, e towhee, field sparrow, chipping sparrow, Savannah sparrow, white-throated sparrow, song sparrow, swamp sparrow, brown-headed cowbird, house finch, and American goldfinch. Ellen looks forward to being able to join the group again before too long. The next Greenway walk will meet with Paula at Salali Lane on April 23 at 8 am.

Paula on the outlook for . . .
Paula on the outlook for . . .
Paula says: 04/10/2014 at 3:34 pm Edit Our walk on April 9 was a bit breezy and cold at times but it was a wonderful day for birds! Jean H., Don, Ned, Sarah, Kendra, Jim and Bev joined me…. and together we identified 32 species which were the following: Canada Geese, Mallard(flying over), Turkey Vultures, Red-shouldered Hawk, Mourning Doves, Rock Pigeons, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied Wdp., Downy Wdps., Northern Flicker, E.Phoebes, White-eyed Vireo, Blue Jays, Am.Crows, Fish Crows, N.Rough-winged Swallows, Tree Swallows, Tufted Titmice, Carolina Chickadees, Carolina Wrens, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, E.Bluebirds, Am.Robins, N.Mockingbirds, N.Cardinals, Eastern Towhees, White-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrows, Brown-headed Cowbird, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, and Am.Goldfinch. I just wish Karen had asked the Horned Grebe and the Great Egrets to hang around for another week so that we could have seen them and counted them again!!!!!!!!! However we have lots of birds to see on our future walks–so come join us next Wednesday! P1050314

Karen says: What a way to begin our Greenway Walks for 2014!! Don, Barbara, Pat, Jean B., Sarah, Ned, Rita, and Karen met at Salali this morning on a crisp beautiful day. We found 34 species, with the excitement of observing a Horned Grebe in breeding plumage fishing right below us. In addition, there were two Great Egrets in breeding plumes flying over and roosting in a tree over the river. Other species were: Canada Goose, Wood Duck pair, Turkey Vulture, Killdeer, Spotted Sandpiper, Mourning Dove, Rock Pigeon, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy WP, Northern Flicker, Pileated WP, Eastern Phoebe, Blue Jay, American Crow, Fish Crow, Tree Swallow, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee, Carolina Wren, Eastern Bluebird, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, European Starling, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Northern Cardinal, Eastern Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Brown-headed Cowbird, American Goldfinch. Spring is here and there will be more species arriving so come join us and help discover our birds. Paula will be leading next Wednesday from Salali Lane.

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