Today's Thursday Birding Meetup at the Lindsay-Parsons Biodiversity Preserve began with 11 attendees looking at Hooded Mergansers in the pond across the road, while flocks of Red-winged Blackbirds flew by overhead. A very tame White-throated Sparrow foraged in the middle of the trail as we started through the woods. Many American Robins were out and about as we crossing the big meadow, dominated by low grasses after the FLLT's late mowing. From the overlook we saw two muskrats swimming among Canada Geese and Hooded Mergansers, while a mature Bald Eagle soared against the fall-colored hillside. Down in the brushy areas by the pond were many American Goldfinches foraging on goldenrod seeds, with a few White-throated Sparrows popping in and out. A Ruby-crowned Kinglet fluttered its wings frequently and flashed its red crown a few times as it moved among the bushes, while a flock of Cedar Waxwings moved between leafless treetops. Farther along, the beautiful song of a Fox Sparrow was heard several times before the bird was spotted sitting nicely on a branch for all to admire. After the walk, we breakfasted at Sunset Grill with a nice view of Cayuga Lake and Cornell campus.
NEXT WEEK, we will bird at EcoVillage, 7:30am on Thursday, November 5. Park at Gourdlandia, or carpool from Ithaca's Children's Garden at 7:15am. A reminder that all birders are welcome at these Thursday Birding Meetups. We start early to offer a birding opportunity before work or class. Those with more flexible schedules can join us for breakfast and conversation after birding.
