Weekly Report - 2018-04-27 - Nesting Woodpeckers, Prairie Warbler, & More Migration!

This past week of Trailblazers Nature Clubs brought on quite a few exceptional sightings!

With grades 3-5, we went out on the trail to study our local amphibians. We got to do some off-trail exploring in our wetlands and along Naaman's Creek, and although we didn't find any amphibians, we did get to learn about the benefits of wetland plants like Skunk Cabbage.

For grades 1 & 2, our session was changed last minute to woodpeckers! A Red-bellied Woodpecker nest was observed earlier that day by my 4th grade class, so after researching how to identify four woodpecker species by sight and sound, we went out on the trail to check out the nest. Pretty amazing to see the bird so close!

One Prairie Warbler was observed near the outdoor lab near Naaman's Creek on 4/26. The bird was first heard chipping, then seen hopping out of a bush for my 4th grade class to see up-close! Then, it flew off to a nearby yard where I was able to snap photos with my phone through my binoculars. Not the best shots, but they will do! This observation represents the second property record of the species. An amazing statistic: The first property record was on 4/26 in 2013, five years ago to the day:

Ruby-crowned Kinglet was observed on the nature trail this week, but not for long! The observation of the species on 4/26 ties the previous departure record for the species on the trail. The latest record of this species in spring was observed on 4/26/13.

White-throated Sparrows will be departing from our area shortly so they can head to their northern breeding grounds! According to BSES Nature Trail eBird data, the latest date in spring that White-throated Sparrows have been seen on the trail is May 2nd. Let's see if next week supports the current data or if we set a new late departure record!

33 Species for the Week:

Canada Goose

Turkey Vulture

Red-shouldered Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk

Rock Pigeon

Mourning Dove

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpecker

Northern Flicker

Eastern Kingbird