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This morning I left the apartment at 7 a.m. and went for a bird walk along Lilac Way as far as the high meadow. I went for two hours counted 35 species, mostly by sight but a few by ear.
( species list )
Of particular interest were the double-crested cormorants and purple martins, which I've never seen in this location before. They're probably in migration. The martins were keeping company with the colony of cliff swallows that nests under Victoria Road bridge.
Up until last year there were only one or two mud nests under the beams. This spring there are at least nine. I like watching the swallows sit in the opening before diving out; all you can see is the triangular white forehead scanning back and forth. I can't imagine why any bird would want to nest there. Victoria Road is busy, and the bridge trembles constantly with passing transports. They have some nice, quiet limestone cliffs to choose from. Of course the bridge is situated directly over the river, with plenty of insects.
I was disappointed not to find American redstarts, which usually nest here. Hopefully they're only running late. Other local breeders of interest include the Blackburnian warbler and bobolink, but I rarely see them. I didn't see indigo buntings either, but they always seem to be a late migrant.
( species list )
Of particular interest were the double-crested cormorants and purple martins, which I've never seen in this location before. They're probably in migration. The martins were keeping company with the colony of cliff swallows that nests under Victoria Road bridge.
Up until last year there were only one or two mud nests under the beams. This spring there are at least nine. I like watching the swallows sit in the opening before diving out; all you can see is the triangular white forehead scanning back and forth. I can't imagine why any bird would want to nest there. Victoria Road is busy, and the bridge trembles constantly with passing transports. They have some nice, quiet limestone cliffs to choose from. Of course the bridge is situated directly over the river, with plenty of insects.
I was disappointed not to find American redstarts, which usually nest here. Hopefully they're only running late. Other local breeders of interest include the Blackburnian warbler and bobolink, but I rarely see them. I didn't see indigo buntings either, but they always seem to be a late migrant.
