Trip Leader: Joe Francis
Date: 11 May 2024
Ten birders of a wide range of experience enjoyed a picture-perfect spring day, logging nearly 5 miles and 75 species total (13 more than last year). Most of the participants selected the “zero carbon” option, walking from their homes to the meeting point so a truly athletic adventure. Warblers were the star of the show – 14 species seen or heard primarily in the woody successional habitat off West Park Drive. A Wilson’s Warbler uncharacteristically deep in the forest at subcanopy level gave the group fine looks at a typically low foraging skulker. Orchard and Baltimore Orioles, Great Crested Flycatcher, Wood Thrush, Veery, and foraging Pileated Woodpecker were also highlights of the day. Those who went the full distance to the Brandywine got treated to an Oriole nest under construction by the female and zealously guarded by the male. Special thanks to Sarah Zaritsky for adding her photographs.
eBird list: https://ebird.org/checklist/S173598531