October 21–Paula Gorgoglione–37
On Oct. 21 there were 10 intrepid birders who braved the cold temps (about 36 degrees at the start) to seek out our avian friends along the Greenway–and we saw/heard 37 species. The birders were Jean H., Jim and Ellen S., Ned K., Diane E., Chris B., Renee R. and Michael D., Ginny W., and me. We were happy to find some of our Winter residents back with us including the White-throated Sparrows, the Swamp Sparrows, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers as well as a Junco. The others were: Turkey Vultures, Black Vultures, Red-shouldered Hawk and Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning Doves, Rock Pigeons, Red-bellied and Downy Wdps., N.Flicker, Pileated Wdp., E.Phoebes, great views of several Blue-headed Vireos, Blue Jays, Am. Crows, Fish Crows, Tufted Titmice, C.Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatches, C.Wrens, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, E.Bluebirds, Am.Robins, Gray Catbird, N.Mockingbirds, Eur.Starlings, Cedar Waxwings, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Palm Warbler, N.Cardinals, E.Towhees, Field Sparrows, Song Sparrows, and Am.Goldfinches. Please join us next week for our FINAL Greenway walk of 2015–at the Library on Oct. 28.
October 14–Karen Lawrence–40
October 14, 2015 brought out beautiful blue skies, 10 birders and 40 species with one new species for the Greenway! We found a Sedge Wren!!!
Jim, Ellen, Karen, Lynne, Rita, Rene and Michael, Ginny, Diane, and Jean H. joined and saw/heard:
Canada Goose, Turkey Vulture, Cooper’s Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Mourning Dove, Red-bellied WP, Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker (yes, they are here now), Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated WP, Eastern Phoebe, Blue-headed Vireo, Blue Jay, Common Raven, American Crow, Tree Swallow, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, Sedge Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Eastern Bluebird, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, Cedar Waxwing, Tennessee Warbler, Palm Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Eastern Towhee, Field Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow, House Finch, and American Goldfinch.
Only two more bird walks this year so come out and join us at Salalie Lane next Wednesday.
October 7–Paula Gorgoglione–42
On Oct. 7 I was joined by 9 dedicated birders who under thick cloudy skies and even a short time of drizzle were able to identify 42 species (3 of which were seen from the Tassee Shelter at the end of the walk). The birders were Jean H., Jim and Ellen S., Rita S., David H., Lynne S., Renee R. and Michael D., Ginny W. and me. Some of our best sightings out of the 42 were the Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Swainson’s Thrushes, a Gray-cheeked Thrush, several Bay-breasted Warblers a Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and an Eastern Meadowlark on the field. The other species were Canada Geese, Turkey Vultures, Mourning Doves, Rock Pigeons, Eur.-Collared Doves, Red-bellied and Downy and Pileated Wdps., N.Flickers, E.Phoebes, Blue Jays, Am.Crows, Fish Crows, Tufted Titmice, C.Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatches, C. Wrens, E.Bluebirds, Am.Robins, Gray Catbirds, N.Mockingbirds, Brown Thrasher, Eur.Starlings, N.Parulas, Tennessee Warblers, Chestnut-sided Warblers, Magnolia Warblers, Black-throated Green Warblers, Am.Redstarts, N.Cardinals, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Indigo Buntings, E.Towhees, Song Sparrows, Brown-headed Cowbird, and Am.Goldfinches. Wow!!! Come join us next week on Oct. 14 at the Library for more wonderful sightings!!!
September 30– Jim and Ellen Shelton–48
Today turned out to be a beautiful morning for birding, without one drop of rain during the 2 1/2 hours of the walk. The most unusual sighting, although some of us missed it, was the sun! Jim and I were joined by Rene and Michael, Rita, Ginny, David, Lynne, Debbie, Jean H and Jean B, Linda and Tom, and George. Together we identified a total of 48 species- Great Blue Heron, Canada Geese, Red-shouldered Hawk, Osprey, Mourning Dove, Rock Pigeon, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Chimney Swift, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay Common Raven, Am Crow, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, E Bluebird, Am Robin, Swainson’s Thrush, Gray Catbird, N Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, Cedar Waxwing, N Parula, Tennessee, Nashville, Chestnut-sided, Magnolia, Cape May, Prairie, Pine, and Yellow-throated Warblers, Am Redstart, Scarlet Tanager, N Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, E Towhee, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrow, House Finch, Am Goldfinch.
Join us next Wednesday morning at Salali Lane, 8 am, for more exciting birding!
September 23–Paula Gorgoglione–49
Every time I think a birdwalk can’t get any better–it does!!!!! The weather was beautiful, the birders were superb, and the birds were active. Those superb birders were Jean H., Jim and Ellen S., Rita S., Ned K., Jean B., David H., Renee S., Ruth V., Stan and Mary, Ginny W., and me–13 in all! And we were able to hear/see 49 species–our “best” sighting being a Swainson’s Thrush. The other 48 were: Turkey and Black Vultures, Cooper’s and Red-shouldered Hawks, Killdeer, Mourning and Eurasian-collared Doves, Rock Pigeons, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied and Downy and Pileated Wdps., N.Flickers, E. Wood-Pewee, E.Phoebes, Red-eyed and White-eyed Vireos, Blue Jays, Am.Crows, Fish Crows, Tufted Titmice, C.Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatches, C.Wrens, E.Bluebirds, Am.Robins, Gray Catbirds, N.Mockingbirds, Brown Thrashers, Eur.Starlings, Cedar Waxwing, N.Parula, Chestnut-sided Warblers, Magnolia Warblers, Black-throated Green Warblers, Palm Warbler, Yellow-throated Warblers, Am.Redstarts, Common Yellowthroat, Scarlet Tanagers, N.Cardinals, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Indigo Buntings, E.Towhees, Song Sparrows, House Finches, and Am.Goldfinches. Please join us next Wednesday, Sept. 30, at the Library for more exciting birding.
September 16–Jim and Ellen Shelton–48
What a great morning for birding! All together we had 19 people and 48 bird species at the library this morning. Jim and I were joined by Karen, Rita, Jean B, Sally, Rene, Jean H, Ginger, Mike, Wanda, Rene R, Michael and Alan D, Debbie, David, Lynne, Tom, and Chris. While it was very foggy for the first hour, we found some mixed feeding flocks and many migrants during the morning, and identified the following: Canada Goose, Cooper’s Hawk, Mourning Dove, Ruby-th Hummingbird, Red-bellied, Downy, and Pileated Woodpeckers, N Flicker, E Wood-pewee, E Phoebe, Red-eyed, White-eye, and Blue-headed Vireos, Blue Jay, Am Crow, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee, White-br Nuthatch, Carolina and House Wrens, E Bluebird, Gray Catbird, N Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, Eu Starling, Cedar Waxwing, N Parula, Tennessee, Nashville, Chestnut-sided, Magnolia, Cape May, Blackburnian, Black-throated Green, Blackpoll, and Yellow-throated Warblers, American Redstart, Common Yellowthroat, Scarlet Tanager, N Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, E Towhee, Field and Song Sparrows, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, and Am Goldfinch. How fun!
Come join us next week at Salali Lane to see what we can find!
September 9–Paula Gorgoglione–37
It was Wed., Sept. 9,2015, and THE RAINS CAME DOWN!!! But before the rain drove us away, 9 undaunted birders (Jean H., Jean B., Jim and Ellen S., Renee S., Rita S., Debby D., Karen L. and myself) had counted 38 species of birds just from Salali Lane to the Tassee Shelter. Our greatest surprise was to see/hear a Raven who perched in a tree above us off Salali Lane–not very usual for this time of year. The other 37 species were: Great Blue Heron, Canada Geese, Mourning Doves, Rock Pigeons, Ruby-throated Hummmingbirds, Red-bellied & Downy Wdps., Pileated Wdp., E.Wood Pewee, E. Phoebe, Great Crested Flycatcher, White-eyed Vireo, Blue Jays, Am.Crows, Tufted Titmice, C.Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatches, C.Wrens, House Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, E.Bluebirds, Gray Catbirds, Eur.Starlings, Cedar Waxwings, N.Parulas, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Magnolia Warblers, Yellow-throated Warbler, Am.Redstarts, Hooded Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, N.Cardinals, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, E.Towhees, Song Sparrows, House Finch, and Am.Goldfinches. Many surprises can be found these days along the Greenway–so join us next Wednesday at the Library at 8:00.
September 2–Karen Lawrence–41
untitled-9In the fog this 2nd day of September Jim, Ellen, Rene, Rita, Kristin, Chris, Karen, Ned, Jean B, Ann, Tom, Jean H, and Renee and Michael all joined at the library to see what birds were out there. It started out very quiet with few bird calls or sightings then as the sun broke through the activity picked up.
Here’s the list: Canada Geese, Turkey Vulture, Black Vulture, Red-shouldered Hawk, Mourning Dove, Rock Pigeon, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Red=bellied WP, Downy WP, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Wood-pewee, Eastern Phoebe, White-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, House Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Eastern Bluebird, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Northern Parula, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Black and White Warbler, Canada Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, Northern Cardinal, Indigo Bunting, Eastern Towhee, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrow, House Finch, and American Goldfinch. A total of 41 today with lots of young.
Join us next week at Salali for more birding adventures. Migration is happening! Let us know any new sightings, behaviors or activity in your area.
August 26–Paula Gorgoglione–41
It was a little chilly start with the temp about 58 degrees but our walk on Aug. 26 starting at Salali Lane was wonderful!!! I was joined by 9 eager birders–Jean H., Rita S., Ned K., Tom B., Chris B., Renee S., Marion E. as well as Renee Rubin and Michael Delesantro who are back with us for a while–and together we heard/saw 41 species. I was most excited when Michael discovered a Canada Warbler which I thought had not been officially reported on our Greenway lists before. But when I got home I saw that it was listed on our bird Club T-shirt–so perhaps it was seen on a past Library section walk!?! But it was still my favorite sighting of the day–and the rest of the species were Turkey Vultures, Cooper’s Hawk, Mourning Doves, Rock Pigeons, Eur.-collared Dove, Chimney Swift, lots of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Belted Kingfishers, Red-bellied and Downy and Pileated Wdps., N.Flicker, White-eyed Vireos, Blue Jays, Am. Crows, Fish Crow, Tufted Titmice, C.Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatch, C.Wrens, House Wrens, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, E.Bluebirds, Am.Robins, Gray Catbirds, N.Mockingbirds, Brown Thrasher, Eur.Starlings, Cedar Waxwing, N.Parulas, Yellow Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Yellow-throated Warblers, Canada Warbler, Hooded Warbler, N.Cardinals, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Indigo Bunting, E.Towhees, Song Sparrows, and Am. Goldfinches. Please join us next Wed., Sept. 2, at the Library for our next birding adventure!!
August 19–Jim and Ellen Shelton–38
After yesterday’s rain the birds were active on the library trail this morning. Thirteen of us identified 38 species today before the rains came back around 10:00. Jim and I were joined by Marion, Jean H, Karen, Rita, David, Lynne, Ned, Kristin, Diane, George, and Tom. The highlight of the morning was a Yellow-billed Cuckoo that Jim spotted lurking in a bush near the river, which some of us were able to see clearly before it dove for cover. The other species we identified were Great Blue Heron, Mourning Dove, Rock Pigeon, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied, Downy, and Pileated Woodpecker, N Flicker, E Phoebe, White-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, Am Crow, Barn Swallow, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, E Bluebird, Am Robin, Gray Catbird, N Mockingbird, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, N Parula, Black-throated Green Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, N Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, E Towhee, Field and Song Sparrow, House Finch, and Am Goldfinch.
Join us next week at Salali Lane for another morning of fun birds!
August 12–Paula Gorgoglione–36
It was SO GREAT to be back on the Salali Lane bird walk on Aug. 12 and I had 10 fantastic birders join me–Jean H., Rita S., Ned K., Jean B., Renee S., Jim and Ellen S., Kristin T., Marion E., and Debby D. Together we saw/heard 36 species which were the following: Canada Geese, Turkey Vultures, Mourning Doves, Rock Pigeons, Eur.Collared Doves, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Red-bellied and Downy Wdps., N.Flickers, E.Wood Pewee, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue Jays, Am. and Fish Crows, Tufted Titmice, C.Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatches, C.Wrens, lots of Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, E.Bluebird, Am.Robins, Gray Catbirds, N.Mockingbirds, Eur.Starlings, Cedar Waxwings, N.Parulas, Yellow-throated Warblers, Am.Redstarts, Scarlet Tanagers(no adult males), N.Cardinals, Indigo Buntings, E.Towhees, Field and Song Sparrows, House Finch, and Am.Goldfinches. Come join us next week at the Library section on Aug. 19, and hopefully I will see you again on Aug. 26 at Salali Lane.
August 5–Jim and Ellen Shelton–42
Five of us had a great morning of birding at the library today, even though everything was very quiet for the first few minutes. Jim and I were joined by Debbie, Diane, and Tom. We couldn’t decide on the best highlight of the morning, it seemed to be a tie among the Blue Grosbeaks, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Summer Tanagers, and an American Redstart. We all had good looks at all four of these species, as well as most of the 42 species we identified. The birds we saw/heard this morning were: Turkey Vulture, Broad-winged Hawk, Mourning, Dove, Rock Pigeon, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, N Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, E Phoebe, E Kingbird, White-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, Am Crow, Barn Swallow, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, E Bluebird, Am Robin, Gray Catbird, N Mockingbird, Eur Starling, Cedar Waxwing, N Parula, Yellow-throated Warbler, Am Redstart, Scarlet Tanager,N Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Blue Grosbeak, E Towhee, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Brown-headed Cowbird, House Finch, and Am Goldfinch.
Come join us next Wed morning at 8:00 for the Salali Lane walk.
July 29–Jim and Ellen Shelton–37
We had a nice morning of birding at Salali Lane today. The birds are not quite as active or vocal as they were a month ago. Jim and I were joined by Michelle and Wendy from Cashiers, Chris, David, Lynne, Jean H, Lenny, Ned, Tom, Diane, and Alva, who was new to the walks. Together we identified 37 species which included Blue-winged Teal, Turkey Vulture, Cooper’s Hawk, Mourning Dove, Rock Pigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds (several, in several sections of the walk), Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, E Phoebe, E Kingbird, White-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, Am Crow, Fish Crow, Barn Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee, Carolina Wren, House Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Am Robin, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, N Parula, Black and White Warbler, Hooded Warbler, N Cardinal, Indigo Bunting, E Towhee, Song Sparrow, Orchard Oriole, House Finch, and Am Goldfinch.
We all hope that Paula will be back with us soon. Come join us next week at the library at 8 am to see what birds will be out and about!
July 22–Jim and Ellen Shelton–35
Once again we began our bird walk at the library in fogy conditions, but it cleared up nicely and our group of 7 was able to identify 35 bird species. Jim and I were joined by Marion (new to our bird walks), Ned, George, Tom, and Lenny. We all had good views of a Blue Grosbeak singing from the top of a bush with an Indigo Bunting perched nearby. Great way to compare the two! We also had the first Ruby-crowned Kinglet of the season. I guess fall will be here soon, as far as the birds are concerned. The other birds we saw and/or heard this morning were Mourning Dove, Rock Pigeon, Chimney Swift, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied, Downy, and Pileated Woodpecker, E Phoebe, E Kingbird, Red-eyed and White-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, Am Crow, N Rough-winged and Barn Swallow, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee, Carolina Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, E Bluebird, Am Robin, N Mockingbird, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Scarlet Tanager, N Cardinal, E Towhee, Field, Chipping, and Song Sparrow, House Finch, and Am Goldfinch.
Join us next Wednesday at 8 am at Salali Lane for another fun bird walk!
July 15–Jim and Ellen Shelton–50
We had a great morning for birding today after yesterday’s rain. While parts of our drive in were very foggy, it was clear at Salali Lane and the birds were very active. Jim and I were joined by Chris, Susan, Kristin, Cheryl, Michael, Diane, and Jean B. By the end of the walk three other birders had joined us, Betty Ann and Bill, and Berry. Together we identified 50 species of birds: Green Heron (2 flying over), Canada Goose (35 along the river edge), Cooper’s Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Mourning Dove, Rock Pigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Red-bellied, Downy, and Pileated Woodpeckers, N Flicker, E Phoebe, E Kingbird, White-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, Am Crow, Fish Crow, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee, Carolina Wren, House Wren, Blue-grey Gnatcatcher, Am Robin, Wood Thrush, Gray Catbird, N Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, Eu Starling, N Parula, Yellow-throated Warbler, Black and White Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Hooded Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, N Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, E Towhee, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Brown-headed Cowbird, Common Grackle, Orchard Oriole, House Finch, and Am Goldfinch.
Join us next week at the library at 8 am for another fun bird walk.
July 8–Jim and Ellen Shelton–37
This morning started out very foggy at the library, which is not uncommon at that location this time of year. Happily it burned off quickly and we were able to identify 37 species today. We were very pleased to have Karen back with us for most of the walk. Jim and I were also joined by Ann, Debbie, Jean B, Jean H, Ned, David, Lynn, and Tom. We saw and/or heard the following species, with particularly good looks at the many swallows and martins- Turkey Vulture, Mourning Dove, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Red-bellied Wp, Downy Wp, N Flicker, Pileated Wp, White-eyed Vireo, Am Crow, Purple Martin, N Rough-winged Swallow, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, Blue-grey Gnatcatcher, E Bluebird, Am Robin, Wood Thrush, N Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, European Starling, N Parula, Yellow-breasted Chat, N Cardinal, Indigo Bunting, E Towhee, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Common Grackle, Orchard Oriole, House Finch, and Am Goldfinch. The Purple Martins were near the nesting box beyond the community garden area, but from what we could tell had not used the nesting box this year. Maybe next year they will.
Join us next Wed at Salali Lane at 8:00 for another great morning of birding.
July 1–Jim and Ellen Shelton–40
We had an enthusiastic group of 14 birders this morning, and together we identified 40 species of birds. Jim and I were joined by Jean H, Jean B, Linda, Rose, Lenny, Ginger, Mike, Ned, Tom, Debbie, Daryl, and Diane. We saw several species feeding young, including Eastern Kingbird, Barn Swallow (with five wide opened mouths protruding from the nest),T Titmouse, C Chickadee, and E Towhee. Other species seen/heard were Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, Red-shouldered Hawk, Mourning Dove, Rock Pigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Red-bellied Wp, Downy Wp, Pileated Wp, E Phoebe, Great Crested Flycatcher, White-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, Am Crow, Cliff Swallow, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Am Robin, Wood Thrush, Gray Catbird, N Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, European Starling, N Parula, Black and White Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, N Cardinal, Indigo Bunting, Song Sparrow, Brown-headed Cowbird, Common Grackle, House Finch, and Am Goldfinch.
June 24–Don Fisher–27
Karen Lawrence reports: We had a great group of birders at the library on June 24 – including 3 people who have just moved to Franklin: Debbie and Darrel Garfield and Linda Emslie. Regulars were Pat N., Renee S., Ned, Chris and Susan, Jean B., Ann B, Dianne E. and Jean H. Don Fisher was our leader and helped us identify 27 species: Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, White-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, Fish Crow, N. Rough-winged Swallow, Tree Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee, Carolina Wren, Eastern Bluebird, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, Yellow-breasted Chat, Northern Cardinal, Indigo Bunting, Eastern Towhee, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Brown-headed Cowbird, American Goldfinch. The Red-headed Woodpecker we’ve seen in the past remains elusive.
June 17–Paula Gorgoglione–44
The sun was shining brightly over us on June 17 and by the time we departed the temps were already into the mid-80’s!!! But although we were “slow cooking” we managed to see/hear 44 species. We were happy to have Lenny Del Monte back with us and we welcomed Kristin Tanner as a new birder. Also among the 12 who joined me were Jean H., Jim and Ellen S., Rita S., Ned K., Diane E., Tom B., Jean B., David H., and Chris B. What a team!!!!! The birds we found were: Great Blue Heron(in flight), Green Heron (landed near the Tassee Bridge), Canada Geese, Turkey Vultures, Broad-winged Hawk, Mourning Doves, Rock Pigeons, Eur.Collared Dove, Chimney Swifts, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied and Downy and Pileated Wdps., E.Phoebes, Great-crested Flycatchers, White-eyed Vireos, Blue Jays, Am.Crows, Fish Crows, N.Rough-winged Swallows, Tree and Barn Swallows, Tufted Titmice, C.Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatch, C.Wrens, E.Bluebird, Am.Robins, Wood Thrushes, Gray Catbirds, N.Mockingbirds, Brown Thrashers, Eur.Starlings, Black and White Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chats, N.Cardinals, Indigo Buntings, E.Towhees, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrows, Brown-headed Cowbirds, Common Grackles, House Finch, and Am.Goldfinches. Put June 24th on your calendar and join us at the Macon Co.Library at 8:00 am for our next Greenway walk!
June 10–Jim and Ellen Shelton–34
This morning started out quite foggy and a bit chilly, but by the end of our bird walk the sun was out and it was another beautiful morning. We were happy to have four new birders with us today. Jim and I were joined by Chris, Susan, Ned, Rita, David, Lynn, Diane, Rene, Sheryl, Michael, Jana, and Bill. Together we identified 34 species of birds-Turkey Vulture, Mourning Dove, Chimney Swift, Ruby-th Hummingbird, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, E Phoebe, White-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, Am Crow, N Rough-winged Swallow, Barn Swallow, Tufted Titmouse, C Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, E Bluebird, Am Robin, Grey Catbird, N Mockingbird, Cedar Waxwing, N Parula, Hooded Warbler, Yellow-Breasted Chat, Scarlet Tanager, N Cardinal, Indigo Bunting, E Towhee, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Brown-headed Cowbird, House Finch, and Am Goldfinch. I hope everyone can join us next week as Paula leads us from Salali Lane.
June 3–Paula Gorgoglione–45
It was rather overcast and chilly with the temps about 58 when we began Wednesday’s (6-03-15) walk at Salali Lane…but as usual the sun finally came out to brighten up the day. I was joined by 10 avid birders–Jean H., Jim and Ellen S., Rita S., Diane E., Ann B., Jean B., Lori E., Renee S., and Ruth V.–and we saw/heard 45 species which were the following: Canada Geese, Turkey and Black Vultures, Mourning Doves, Rock Pigeons, Chimney Swifts, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Red-bellied and Downy Wdps., N.Flicker, E.Phoebe, Great-crested Flycatcher, White-eyed Vireos, Blue Jays, Am.Crows, Fish Crows, N.Rough-winged Swallows, Tree Swallows, Barn Swallows, Tufted Titmice, C.Chickadees, Carolina Wrens, House Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, E.Bluebird, Am.Robins, Wood Thrush, Gray Catbirds, N.Mockingbirds, Brown Thrashers, Eur.Starlings, Cedar Waxwings, N.Parula, Hooded Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chats, N.Cardinals, Indigo Buntings, E.Towhees, Field Sparrows, Song Sparrows, Brown-headed Cowbirds, Common Grackle, Orchard Oriole, House Finch, and Am. Goldfinches. Thanks to all who came and we hope to see you back with us next Wed. June 10, at the Library.
May 27–Jim and Ellen Shelton–38
This morning started off foggy and misty, but ended up sunny and beautiful by the end of our walk. Jim and I were joined by Jean B, Diane, Jean H, Rita, George, and Tom. We identified a total of 38 species, including very good looks at some Rough-winged and Cliff swallows as well as Tree and Barn swallows, and we found some Purple Martins flying near the nesting box by the community garden. Other species seen/heard were Canada Geese, Turkey Vulture, Mourning Dove, Rock Pigeon, Chimney Swift, Red-bellied, Downy, and Pileated Woodpeckers, E Phoebe, Red-eyed and White-eyed vireo, Blue Jay, Am Crow, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina and House Wren (the House Wren was using a Bluebird nesting box), E Bluebird (feeding young), Am Robin, N mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, Eur. Starling, Cedar Waxwing, N Parula, Yellow-breasted Chat, N Cardinal, Indigo Bunting, E Towhee, Field and Song Sparrow, Brown-headed Cowbird, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, and Am Goldfinch. Join us next Wed. as Paula leads us on Salali Lane at 8 am for another morning of wonderful birding.
May 20–Paula Gorgoglione–50
Can birding get better than this?–perfect weather, 14 terrific birders plus me, and a count of 50 species either seen or heard!!!!!!!!! That was our bird walk at Salali Lane on May 20. The birders who joined me were Ruth Vincent, Pat Noisworthy, Chris and Susan Bogardus, David Hinson, Lynne Saponta, Jean Hunnicutt, Jim and Ellen Shelton, Diane Ellerman, Don Fisher, Sarah Sanford, Jean Brewer, and Lori Evancho. And these are the birds we found: Green Heron (flying over), lots of Canada geese with goslings, Turkey and Black Vultures, Red-shouldered and Broad-winged Hawks, Mourning Doves, Rock Pigeons, Chimney Swifts, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied and Downy Wdps., N.Flickers, Pileated Wdp., E.Phoebes, Great-crested Flycatchers, White-eyed Vireos, Blue Jays, Am.Crows, Fish Crows, N.Rough-winged Swallows, Tree Swallows, Barn Swallows, Tufted Titmice, C.Chickadees, C.Wrens, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, E.Bluebirds, Am.Robins, Wood Thrush, Gray Catbirds, N.Mockingbirds, Brown Thrashers, Eur.Starlings, Cedar Waxwings, N.Parulas, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Am.Redstarts, Yellow-breasted Chats, N.Cardinals, Indigo Buntings, E.Towhees, Field Sparrows, Song Sparrows, Brown-headed Cowbirds, Common Grackles, Orchard Oriole (female), and Am.Goldfinch. On top of that we saw a weasel chasing a poor little rabbit back and forth along the Traders Path off the Nickajack Bridge. It seems that the rabbit may have gotten away?????? So please join us for more adventures on the Greenway–next Wed, May 27, at the Library at 8:00 am.
May 14–Ellen and Jim Shelton–40
May 13 was a beautiful morning for a bird walk with friends. Jim and I were joined by Chris, David, Lynne, Jonathon, Ned, Jean B, Jean H, William, Rita, and Tom. Together we saw/heard 40 species: Canada Goose, Turkey and Black Vulture, Mourning Dove, Chimney Swift, Red-bellied, Downy, and Pileated Woodpeckers, Great Crested Flycatchers, Red-eyed and White-eyed Vireos, Blue Jay, Am Crow, N Rough-winged, Tree, Barn, and Cliff Swallows, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee, Carolina Wren, Blue-grey Gnatcatcher, E Bluebird, Am Robin, Wood Thrush, Gray Catbird, N Mockingbird, Cedar Waxwing, N Parula, American Redstart, Common Yellowthroat, Hooded Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Scarlet Tanager, N Cardinal, Indigo Bunting, E Towhee, Field and Song Sparrows, Brown-headed Cowbird, and House Finch. The song birds are definitely in their finest breeding plumage. Come join us next week at Salali Lane for Paula’s walk on May 20 at 8 am.
MAY 6–Paula Gorgoglione–49
Our Greenway walk on May 6 started a little chilly and foggy but it turned warm and sunny as the morning progressed–BEAUTIFUL!!! I had 10 great birders join me–Jean H., Rita S., Tom B., Don F., Sarah S., Kendra R., Jean B., Diane E., and Mary Starzinski and Kathy Petteruti from Swain Co. and we saw/heard 49 species…….many Canada Geese, Mallards in flight, Turkey Vultures and Black Vultures, Red-shouldered Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Killdeer, Spotted Sandpiper, Mourning Doves and Rock Pigeons, Red-bellied and Downy and Pileated Wdps., E.Phoebe, Red-eyed and White-eyed Vireos, Blue Jays, N.Crows and Fish Crows, N.Rough-winged Swallows, Barn Swallows, Tree Swallows, Cliff Swallows, Tufted Titmice, C. Chickadees, Carolina and House Wrens, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Am.Robins, Wood Thrushes, Gray Catbirds, N.Mockingbirds, Brown Thrashers, Eur.Starlings, N.Parulas, Am.Redstart, Hooded Warblers, Yellow-breasted Chat who posed for us, N.Cardinals, Indigo Buntings, E.Towhees, Field and Song Sparrows, Brown-headed Cowbirds, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackles, House Finches, and Am Goldfinches. The Barn Swallows and Cliff Swallows have easy to view nests on the 441 Bypass Bridge–we usually don’t walk that far but we did this time. Hope to see you next Wed., May 13, at the Library!!! Then, back at Salali Lane on May 20.
April 30–Karen Lawrence–37
We were a small but enthusiastic group that gathered at the library in spite of predictions of rain: Sally, Bill, Jean B., George, Jean H. Don Fisher with his excellent ear, helped us identify 37 species: Canada Goose, Turkey Vulture, Mourning Dove, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, Red-eyed Vireo, White-eyed Vireo, Blue-headed Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, N. Rough-winged Swallow, Tufted Titmouse, Caroline Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Eastern Bluebird, Wood Thrush, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, Northern Parula, Common Yellowthroat, Hooded Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Scarlet Tanager, Northern Cardinal, Indigo Bunting, Eastern Towhee, Field Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Brown-headed Cowbird, House Finch, American Goldfinch. Thanks to Don for a lovely morning of birding. Karen is feeling better and we hope she’ll be back soon.
April 22–Paula Gorgoglione–46
Our walk on April 22 was just a bit chilly since the temps that morning were in the mid-30’s and were just about rising to 40 when we gathered together. I was joined by 8 avid birders: George Kaye. Romney Bathurst, Brent and Angela Martin, Lori Evancho, Sarah Sanford, Don Fisher, and Ned Kraft. We saw/heard 46 species which were the following: Canada Geese, Mallards, Turkey Vultures, Black Vulture, Broad-winged Hawk, Mourning Doves, Rock Pigeons, Eurasian-collared Doves, Red-bellied and Downy Wdps., N.Flickers, Pileated Wdp., E.Phoebes, White-eyed Vireos, Blue Jays, Am. and Fish Crows, N.Rough-winged Swallows, Tree Swallows, Barn Swallows, Tufted Titmice, C.Chickadees, C.Wrens, House Wrens, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, E.Bluebird, Am.Robins, Wood Thrush, Gray Catbird, N.Mockingbirds, Brown Thrasher, N.Parulas, Yellow Warblers, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Hooded Warblers, N.Cardinals, Indigo Bunting, E.Towhees, Field Sparrows, White-throated Sparrows, Song Sparrows, Brown-headed Cowbirds, Red-winged Blackbird, Orchard Oriole, House Finch, and Am.Goldfinch. As you can see our species count is rising with our migrants and summer birds returning–so join us on Wed., April 29, at the Library for the next walk.
April 15–Karen Lawrence–24
Karen Lawrence says: The April 15 Bird Walk at the library was cancelled due to rain; however we had a very dedicated leader who showed up and had to see what was out there! Don Fisher reported seeing these 24 species in the rain, a lot of it done from the gazebo overlooking the field: Rough-winged Swallow, House Finch, Eastern Towhee, Song Sparrow, American Goldfinch, Mockingbird, American Crow, White-throated Sparrow, Brown Thrasher, Carolina Wren, House Wren, Parula Warbler, Carolina Chicadee, Brown-headed Cowbird, Field Sparrow, Blue-grey Gnatcatcher, Eastern Bluebird, Pileated Woodpecker, White-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, Blue-headed Vireo, Mourning Dove, Tufted Titmouse, and Woodthrush. Thank you Don for letting us know what you can see even in the rain!
April 8–Paula Gorgoglione–37
Paula Gorgoglione says: I had 13 birders that came from far and wide (including Highlands, South Carolina and Georgia) even traveling through dense fog to meet at Salali Lane for our second Greenway walk!!!!! They were Rita S., Ned K., Tom B., Pat M., Don F., Sarah S., Jean B., David H., Lynne S., Romney B., Lori Evancho, Rose Talbert, and Victoria Dooley. Thanks to such a wonderful group of avid birders we saw 37 species which were the following: Pied-billed Grebe, Canada Geese, Turkey Vulture, Red-shouldered Hawk, Osprey (he made several appearances along our way), Mourning Doves, Rock Pigeons, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied and Downy Wdps., N.Flickers, Pileated Wdp., E.Phoebe, Blue Jays, Am. Crows, Fish Crows, N.Rough-winged Swallows, Tree Swallows, Tufted Titmice, Carolina Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wrens, E.Bluebirds, Am.Robins, N.Mockingbirds, Brown Thrashers, lots of Yellow-rumped Warblers, a Yellow-throated Warbler, N.Cardinals, E.Towhees, Field Sparrows, Chipping Sparrows, White-throated Sparrows, Song Sparrows, Brown-headed Cowbirds, Red-winged Blackbird, and Am.Goldfinches. Meet Karen next week, April 15, at the Library to have another birding adventure!
April 1–Karen Lawrence–31
Karen Lawrence says: Our first bird walk for 2015 What a great start with ten enthusiastic people and a beautiful day! Right in the parking lot we noticed the Rough-winged Swallows were back and one was perching in the top of a small tree for us to study. At the base of the same tree was a Palm Warbler feeding! Great looks at both! Other species seen were Canada Goose, Mallard, Turkey Vulture, Red-shouldered Hawk, Mourning Dove, Rock Pigeon, Red-bellied WP, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Downy WP, Northern Flicker, Blue Jay, American Crow, Tree Swallow, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Eastern Bluebird, American Robin, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Northern Cardinal, Eastern Towhee, Field Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Brown-headed Cowbird and House Finch. Join Paula at Salali Lane this Wednesday for more exciting birds. Chris Bogardus says: 04/05/2015 at 5:51 pm Edit On the April 1st walk, I saw a “Hermit Thrush”, but I wasn’t sure about it. It wasn’t a Swainson’s, no eye ring to speak of. I checked my field guide at home, and ….VEERY! My first and only, the chest streaking matched the field guide picture dead-on.
Welcome to the Franklin Bird Club 