Date: 6/19/25 10:37 pm From: David M via groups.io <davidpmassa...> Subject: [hmbirds] 6/19 Thursday Birding Grasslands
Six birders set out into the vast meadows of Alfred Z. Solomon Grasslands on what felt like the muggiest morning of the year. Rolling fields and distant hills lay under a heavy gray sky. As we walked, the clouds slowly broke, sunlight warmed the trail, and a thick breeze carried the sounds of summer birdsong. The trail was mostly dry with just a few damp spots, and we paused at boardwalks, benches, and one shady tree along the way.
Early on, a vocal Northern Mockingbird amused us with a series of mimic calls, including a convincing Indigo Bunting. On a nearby power line, a Common Yellowthroat sang alongside several American Goldfinches. A short while later, on a different stretch of power line farther out across the meadow, we spotted an American Kestrel perched above a nest box. A striking scene against the parting clouds. Tree Swallows and flycatchers were near-constant companions. We observed both Willow and Alder Flycatchers, confirmed by vocalizations when possible, and a potential Least Flycatcher as well. A standout moment was a Willow Flycatcher delivering its signature call from a perch.
Other highlights included a fidgety Swamp Sparrow, a distant Bobolink on the horizon, a ghostlike Northern Harrier, circling Turkey Vultures, and Great Blue Herons soaring overhead. A Yellow Warbler made a brief appearance toward the end, though warbler activity overall was low. A peaceful, rewarding morning to close out Thursday birding before a short summer break. A beautiful walk, great company, and solid sightings to send us off.
