Date: 4/5/25 12:27 pm From: jhershey2 via groups.io <hersheyj...> Subject: [hmbirds] HMBC Vischer Ferry Field Trip
The weather forecast for today called for rain as 7 intrepid birders arrived in the parking lot at 8:00 am for the HMBC Vischer Ferry Field Trip. Ultimately the birding was cut short because of the increasing rain, but not before viewing some really great birds along the towpath. The best birds of the morning, in my opinion, were the Blue-winged Teal of which I counted at least 6 at fairly close range. These were a lifebird for at least one person in the group. Other waterfowl included Gadwall, Green-winged Teal, American Wigeon, Wood Duck, Hooded Merganser, Bufflehead, Ring-necked Duck, and Pied-billed Grebe. Arriving extra early, the coordinator was surprised to hear the unmistakable “kidick-kidick” call of a Virginia Rail from near the main entrance. Another highlight was a Palm Warbler spotted along the towpath going west. Later, as we were returning to the main entrance and hurrying to escape the heavier rain, we saw a Palm Warbler in the same spot as the previous one, now singing in the rain. Even in the rain there was an abundance of Tree Swallows foraging over the ponds, and occasionally a few Northern Rough-winged Swallows mixed in. Other marsh birds seen or heard include Great Blue Heron and Belted Kingfisher.
Thanks to all for participating in this trip. Attached is a photo of a Blue-winged Teal I took 2 days ago at Vischer Ferry.
