"Magic" May 2016

The first week in “Magic” May began quietly at Olmsted Park, with the continuing Green-Winged Teal, Blue-Headed Vireo and 2 Eastern Phoebe on the 2nd.
I went to Ward’s Pond (3rd) after I saw an eBird report recording lots of migrants there, but I only saw 2 Eastern Phoebe, engaged in what I assumed to be courting/territorial behaviour, nesting Canada Goose and already fledged young Mallard - fast movers! I then went through to Willow Pond, following up on report of a Prairie Warbler which I did see; a site-tick.

Back at Leverett Pond the next day (4th), for excellent numbers of swallows: Tree, Northern Rough-Winged and Barn Swallow all in attendance, the latter a site-tick. There was also a Blue-Headed Vireo again and a singing Orchard Oriole. I was also tipped off that the Red-Tailed Hawks were nesting on one of the softball field’s floodlights and I was able to confirm that they were! It’s a pretty busy spot, especially on the weekend, but these urban hawks seemed completely unperturbed.
The week ended with a Brown Creeper on the 6th.

Monday 2nd, Leverett Pond, MA, USA.
Tuesday 3rd, Ward’s Pond, MA, USA.
Tuesday 3rd, Willow Pond, MA, USA.
Wednesday 4th & Friday 6th, Leverett Pond, MA, USA.

The weekend was quiet apart from a flyover Osprey, a site-tick. This is a species I assumed that I would see much more regularly on the patch, considering how popular it is with the wildfowl, however it hadn’t turned out that way.

Saturday 7th, Leverett Pond, MA, USA.

The next week also started quietly, however I did see an excellent site-tick Broad Winged Hawk on Monday, 6th. It flew over towards downtown Boston, hovering in the wind at one point. That day there were several other reports from the area so it seemed it was their day for migration. Also notable were 8 Barn Swallows and an Orchard Oriole in its usual spot.
On Wednesday, 11th, things had picked up. FOY Northern Parula in the yard at home, and more warblers at Leverett Pond too. Northern Waterthrush, Common Yellowthroat, Northern Parula, Black-and-White Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-Rumped Warbler and Black-Throated Green Warbler all in attendance, as were a couple of Spotted Sandpiper. A Wood Thrush was also heard singing, as was a site-tick Rose-Breasted Grosbeak; the former was not visible in the trees and the latter was mobile from one side of the pond to the other and I didn’t see it either.

Thursday 12th, initially revealed no additional species but as I rounded the south-side of the pond I got a glimpse of another long hoped for site-tick: Belted Kingfisher. It flew low across the water, out of sight, but soon returned to perch on shaded trees quite high above the water. Another species, like the Osprey I had expected to see more of, however on seeing it at the pond it got me thinking. There were lots of people around, and with its size and the lack of dense vegetation around the sides of the pond that it seemed to favour, maybe it’s not such a big surprise that it doesn’t frequent the pond more often. There’s not much space for it to be secluded and fish in peace.
At the weekend I saw a few additional site-tick migrants: Great Crested Flycatcher, Ovenbird and Wilson’s Warbler. The latter two I just heard, the former was high in the trees foraging and occasionally singing/calling. Also notable was a FOY American Redstart.

Monday 9th, Wednesday 11th, Thursday 12th & Saturday 14th, Leverett Pond, MA, USA.

One other notable for the week: on Friday 13th, I saw another Osprey, this time from my home, soaring high over towards the Emerald Necklace. Funny how often you don’t see something for ages then see two or more one after the other!

The new week began with no new arrivals, though Blue-Headed Vireo and Northern Rough-Winged Swallow seemed to be getting late.
However, Tuesday was probably the best day of the whole season. All the previous warblers were in attendance. I was able to linger in the dell where I picked up a site-tick Least Flycatcher in the thick brambles near the concrete blocks. A Swainson’s Thrush was also flushed by someone walking through with a dog. I then heard a different song and as I focussed my attention in that direction, up popped a site-tick Lincoln’s Sparrow! It moved around discreetly in the area and didn’t seem to notice me which allowed me to grab some record shots while admiring its intricate plumage, and I then left, well satisfied. On the way out another Wilson’s Warbler calling but again not seen.

A 40 species day from Leverett, which left me feeling pretty satisfied that I had seen the best of what the site has to offer in spring.

The next day things went back to ‘normal’ though I only had 25 minutes to look.

I returned on Friday, and as if to confirm that I had experienced the best day already, the flycatcher and sparrow were not present. However there was one notable new arrival in Chestnut-Sided Warbler which was singing from the south-side of the pond. New arrivals of a different sort - 4 fledged Wood Duck with their mother were swimming on the pond too.

Monday 16th, Tuesday 17th, Wednesday 18th & Friday 20th, Leverett Pond, MA, USA.

Also that week, at home in Brookline, FOY Common Nighthawk on Wednesday, 18th.

The next week, I went out twice on the Thursday because I heard a lot of birdsong during a brief morning walk and wanted to return with more time to convert the potential into sightings. At Leverett Pond in the morning, I saw 2 Chestnut-Sided Warbler, both singing, as were Black-Throated Green Warbler, Magnolia Warbler and Yellow Warbler.
When I returned in the afternoon, I visited the 3 main parts on my patch - Leverett, Willow and Ward’s - and decided to log them all under Olmsted Park. The birdsong activity had died down somewhat but notable were a FOY Blackpoll Warbler. In contrast to last year these were scarce this year, with only one or two recorded.

Thursday 26th, Leverett Pond, MA, USA.
Thursday 26th, Olmsted Park, MA, USA.

At the weekend I joined a BBC walk around Plymouth Airport, which was my second visit after a trip in July 2015. This trip was much better because of the earlier time of year and for being allowed to walk beyond the fence with the group. All target grassland species were seen: Eastern Meadowlark, UPLAND SANDPIPER, GRASSHOPPER SPARROW and Vesper Sparrow. Also notable were BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO and 2 flyover Peregrines.

Sunday 29th, Plymouth Airport, MA, USA.

The last outing of the month to the patch and I found an Eastern Wood Peewee in the dell, another site-tick, as well as a “Traill’s Flycatcher” on one of the Brookline-side islands.

Tuesday 31st, Leverett Pond, MA, USA.

I was very satisfied that my plan to really work Leverett had paid-off. From the broad-winged hawk to the peewee I saw a lot of great migrant site-ticks and felt that my understanding of the site and its potential species had been expanded. I ended with 101 eBird species logged there, second on the all-time list.

January 2016

A busy month to start the year, and to start the month, a couple of late Common Grackle in Pierce Park on Saturday 2nd.

I then decided to chase a couple of Massachusetts and life-ticks at local reservoirs: Northern Shoveler then REDHEAD and LESSER SCAUP respectively. The latter two were among some good numbers of wildfowl at Cambridge Reservoir, unfortunately though it was not the easiest place to view as there was no off-road parking.

Sunday 3rd, Arlington Reservoir, MA, USA.
Sunday 3rd, Cambridge Reservoir, MA, USA.

A Leverett Pond patch visit yielded regular winter species on Monday 18th.

A couple of visits to the public gardens were notable for the fast diminishing open water, though several Mallards tenaciously clung on to what was left.

Tuesday 19th & Wednesday 20th, Boston Public Gardens, MA, USA.

After winter storm Jonas bustled through the area I visited Leverett Pond again hoping for some different movement...and was rewarded with my first Massachusetts Bald Eagle. It flew from JP to the north of Leverett Pond, and because I was at the south of the pond, I was unfortunately unable to get photos, but this was a species I had been hoping to see for some time. Also notable was a dapper male Northern Pintail.

Sunday 24th, Leverett Pond, MA, USA.
Sunday 24th, Willow Pond, MA, USA.

A couple more public garden visits confirmed the weekend storm had finally driven the Mallards off the frozen pond. The next day I returned and was rewarded with a site-tick Fox Sparrow, which was foraging on the ground near Washington’s statue.

Monday 25th & Tuesday 26th, Boston Public Gardens, MA, USA.

Another Olmsted Park patch visit: Leverett Pond was notable for good numbers of Wood Duck and a couple of American Crow - not all that common here.

At Willow Pond were two Lesser Scaup, a good site-tick, and much easier and closer views than the ones I had earlier in the month at Cambridge Reservoir.

Wednesday 27th, Leverett Pond, MA, USA.
Wednesday 27th, Willow Pond, MA, USA.
Wednesday 27th, Ward’s Pond, MA, USA.

I ended the month with another chase. This time a Barrow’s Goldeneye at the Kennedy Library Seawall, but I was unsuccessful. However I did see good numbers of winter sea ducks, enjoyed the walk and was able to experience a hotspot new to me (once I found my way through the construction site onto the actual wall!).

Saturday 30th, Kennedy Library Seawall, MA, USA.

May 2015

Magic May again and 25 checklists submitted to eBird!

The first outing of the month was to Leverett Pond where I had a few expected migrants: 3 warblers and a Blue-Grey Gnatcatcher.

Saturday 2nd, Leverett Pond, MA, USA.

My FOY Chimney Swift arrived to back in Brookline, Saturday, 2nd.

Things then picked up. Returning from a family trip to Dartmouth I took a detour to twitch a Prothonotary Warbler at Willow Pond. Obviously a site-tick and excellent views of a stunning bird.

Sunday 3rd, Willow Pond, MA, USA.

My main focus this year was to leverage regular access to the Boston public gardens to pick-up as many migrating species as I could. Since it was on my way to work and many species have been seen here I wanted to find out what I could see if I concentrated my time here.
This effort began on the 4th with 5 warblers, Blue-Grey Gnatcatcher and a Rose-Breasted Grosbeak. On the 5th, overnight and early morning rain had caused a bit of a “fall” and it was probably the best morning I’ve ever had at the gardens. There were 9 species of warbler including another Prothonotary Warbler (not the same one from Willow Pond though), Ovenbird and Northern Parula; also site-tick Wood Thrush, Eastern Towee and Scarlet Tanager.
The next day (6th) could not match that day but the Prothonotary Warbler was still present. My last visit of the week saw things “back-to-normal” and relatively quiet especially for May.

Monday 4th, Tuesday 5th, Wednesday 6th & Thursday 7th, Boston Public Gardens, MA, USA.

A busy week was concluded with an outing to Mount Auburn Cemetery where I tallied 40 species, including 11 warblers in particular Blackburnian Warbler, Chestnut-Sided Warbler and life-tick TENNESSEE WARBLER singing loudly from a path-side tree but resolutely staying out of view! Other notables were Great Horned Owl, Blue-Headed Vireo, Scarlet Tanager and Orchard Oriole.

Friday 8th, Mount Auburn Cemetery, MA, USA.

Another weekend visit to Leverett Pond for American Redstart and Blackpoll Warbler among others on Sunday 9th.

Back to the public gardens for the week with usual warbler numbers moving through on Monday. The situation improved on Tuesday with a site-tick Northern Waterthrush among 8 warblers species. Wednesday produced a site-tick Nashville Warbler and a couple more Eastern Towee. Thursday went back to being quiet again.

Monday 11th, Tuesday 12th, Wednesday 13th & Thursday 14th, Boston Public Gardens, MA, USA.

FOY Common Nighthawk arrived ‘home’ to Brookline, Friday, 25th.

Switching to Olmsted Park at the weekend, a singing Wood Thrush and another Nashville Warbler were present at Leverett.

Sunday 17th, Leverett Pond, MA, USA.
Sunday 17th, Willow Pond, MA, USA.

I managed three more public garden visits in the remaining weeks of the month, the first of which (21st) produced a fantastic and much wanted life-tick BAY-BREASTED WARBLER. I also saw Nashville Warbler and Wilson’s Warbler, both in the big willow tree next to the water. That morning I also bumped into the chief eBirder of Scotland who was visiting on holiday for the birds. I was able to show him and his wife around and I believe the Wilson's was a life-tick for him, which was great!

The next week’s visit (26th) was much quieter with only American Redstart and Common Yellowthroat representing the warblers. The final visit (28th) saw Black-and-White Warbler replace Yellowthroat alongside the American Redstart.

Thursday 21st, Tuesday 26th & Thursday 28th, Boston Public Gardens, MA, USA.

Also on the 26th, I chased but dipped a reported mourning warbler at Leverett Pond, but I did see Northern Rough-Winged Swallow and an Orchard Oriole in its apparent 'usual' spot.

The next day I was back in the morning but again dipped the mourning warbler, although the oriole was still there. On reaching Willow Pond I almost immediately saw a flycatcher which was active just off the road under the canopy. I took some pictures and fortunately recorded its song because I wasn’t sure what it was, but assumed "Traill's". After uploading the song to xeno-canto.org I was assured that it was a life-tick ACADIAN FLYCATCHER! A species I did not expect to see here as it’s not commonly reported in Suffolk county. A brilliant way to end another ‘Magic May’.

Tuesday 26th, Leverett Pond, MA, USA.
Wednesday 27th, Leverett Pond, MA, USA.
Wednesday 27th, Willow Pond, MA, USA.



I did manage one more visit to Leverett Pond where everything seemed to be settling down for another breeding season on Saturday 30th.

March 2015

Limited outings continued, although I did twitch my first Massachusetts Bohemian Waxing in deep snow along the river in Waltham, along with a load of other birders. On the same day I failed miserably to connect with northern shoveler in Cambridge, as I was lead astray by my phone’s map app.

Saturday 7th, Riverwalk Park, MA, USA.
Saturday 7th, Alewife Reservation, MA, USA.

Monday 16th, FOY Common Grackle arrived at Brookline Village T.

January 2015

Happy New Year!

I was lucky enough to start my new year on Manasota Beach where I saw an impressive flock of 30 American White Pelican soaring in the thermals like vultures. 2 Magnificent Frigatebird were also seen later in the day.

Even later in the day I hit the Venice Rookery for a good selection of species including a hooting Great Horned Owl. On the way back I called in at Bowdoin Road Pond.

Thursday 1st, Manasota Beach, FL, USA.
Thursday 1st, Venice Rookery, FL, USA.
Thursday 1st, Bowdoin Road Pond, FL, USA.

On Friday 3rd, the day of departure, 4 Sandhill Crane and an American Kestrel were in the area close to the house where we took a walk before departing for the airport.

Back up north I visited Leverett Pond for a site-tick Northern Pintail on Sunday 11th.

On the 26th a big snow-storm pushed up to 12 Dark-Eyed Junco onto the small yard feeder as well as 6 other common species.



On the 29th I saw a late/wintering Northern Mockingbird at Pierce Playground, Brookline.

December 2014

Mostly not birding this month, however I did spot an unusually late Black-and-White Warbler in Brookline on Saturday 20th.



On Boxing Day I was in Florida again for family fun which started at the Sarasota Big Cat park where I observed flyover Wood Stork and a big group of 30 Boat-Tailed Grackle in the park’s small trees.

Saturday 27th, Sarasota Big Cat Park, FL, USA.

A family beach day at Siesta Key surprised me with a life-tick NANDAY PARAKEET which was squawking from the wires above the car-park! Later in the day I observed a Magnificent Frigatebird over the sea.

Tuesday 30th, Siesta Key, FL, USA.

Finally a drive out to Gasparilla Island to experience a new part of the area although the regular species were all that I saw.

Wednesday 31st, Gasparilla Island, FL, USA.

November 2014

Just one patch visit to Leverett Pond but still some summer species present although the winter ducks were also arriving. There were 57 Wood Duck, a high count for me at this location!

Sunday 16th, Leverett Pond, MA, USA. 

Later in that month, I bizarrely saw a Common Raven outside Trader Joe’s in Brookline! It’s one of those sightings that I don’t believe after the bird has gone, but it was definitely there.

Sunday 23rd, BoA/TJ's Parking Lot, Coolidge Corner, MA, USA.

A couple days later I was afforded a full day out on Plum Island/Parker River NWR. To start the day, I had crippling views of a couple Snowy Owls, including one that sat on the Lot 2 Dunes for ages, after jousted with another right in front of me! While I watched a flock of Shore Lark also moved around the dunes.
At the salt pannes, a male American Wigeon and 15 Northern Pintail, followed by Northern Harrier at North Pool.
At Bill Forward Pool more ducks but most numerous again were 49 Northern Pintail.
From Lot 6 Dunes a good selection of seabirds including a Red-Necked Grebe.
Stage Island Pool had a half dozen Bufflehead, a Red-Throated Loon/Diver.
Finally as the light faded, Emerson Rocks hosted Greater Scaup and Long-Tailed Duck among others.

Tuesday 25th, Parker River NWT, MA, USA:
Lot 2 Dunes,
Salt Pannes,
North Pool Overlook,
Bill Forward Pool,
Lot 6 Dunes,
Stage Island Pool,
Emerson Rocks.

September 2014

I had a trip to the UK where I visited Hunstanton Cliffs and saw the resident Northern Fulmar and some passage Northen Gannet.

Wednesday 3rd, Hunstanton Cliffs, Norfolk, UK.

I also visited RSPB Titchwell where I walked the new East Trail for the first time. Among the 53 species I saw the most notable where 1 flyover Eurasian Spoonbill, 4 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Spotted Redshank and 3 Little Stint. The stint were a site-tick and maybe even a life-tick.

Friday 6th, RSPB Titchwell, Norfolk, UK.

On returning to the US I didn’t make any patch visits but did hear another Eastern Screech Owl at home on the 21st.

August 2014

Another slower one but at home in Brookline I again recorded Common Nighthawk activity throughout the month, as well as hearing an Eastern Screech-Owl (10th) and Carolina Wren (23rd). 

I managed 2 Olmsted Park patch visits, 2nd and 24th, the latter providing Cooper’s Hawk and Willow Flycatcher, both Leverett Pond site-ticks.

Saturday 2nd, Leverett Pond, MA, USA.
Sunday 24th, Leverett Pond, MA, USA.
Sunday 24th, Willow Pond, MA, USA.
Sunday 24th, Ward's Pond, MA, USA.

July 2014

A slow month during which I visited Rachel Carson NWR, Maine one evening, more to take in the scenery than find many birds.

Saturday 12th, Rachel Carson NWR, ME, USA.

At home in Brookline I noted a lot of Common Nighthawk activity, indicative of a breeding population I think.

Olmsted Park--Ward's Pond, Suffolk, MA, USA, 27-Jul-2013

2:57 PM - 3:35 PM
Protocol: Traveling
0.25 mile(s)
Comments: Last part of patch visit, including a nice sit by the pond in the sunshine. I was also able to walk on the new boardwalk.
2 species

Great Black-backed Gull 1 over to Jamaica Pond.
Grey Catbird 1

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S15087833

Olmsted Park--Leverett Pond, Suffolk, MA, USA, 27-Jul-2013

2:06 PM - 2:33 PM
Protocol: Traveling
0.5 mile(s)
Comments: Summer patch visit.
Weather: hot and sunny.
8 species

American Black Duck X
Mallard X
Double-crested Cormorant X
Blue Jay X
American Robin X
European Starling 1
Song Sparrow 1 heard.
House Sparrow X

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S15087764

Olmsted Park--Willow Pond and Meadow, Suffolk, MA, USA, 27-Jul-2013

2:34 PM - 2:56 PM
Protocol: Traveling
0.25 mile(s)
Comments: Second part of patch visit.
And 1536-1546 on the way back.
10 species

Mallard 5 including 3 juveniles.
Downy Woodpecker X
Tufted Titmouse X
American Robin X
Grey Catbird 1
Cedar Waxwing 1
Red-winged Blackbird 2 males.
Common Grackle 6
American Goldfinch 2 males, seen separately.
House Sparrow X

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S15087816

Olmsted Park--Willow Pond and Meadow, Suffolk, MA, USA, 29-Jun-2013

6:55 PM - 7:16 PM
Protocol: Traveling
0.5 mile(s)
Comments: Second part of a small patch visit. Even more mozzies at this part of the park so I quickly walked through, but on the way back I had a nice surprise.
6 species

Mallard 5 including 4 chicks.

Black-crowned Night-Heron 1 adult. As I walked back towards to Leverett Pond a man was crouched taking photos of what I assumed was the reflection in one of the pools. As I got closer I saw he was actually photographing this heron which was close to the path. It soon flew off as it saw me, but after briefly updating the finder as to what it was, I walked round the other side of the pond where I watched it from near the road. Resplendent in breeding plumage it was motionless for a long while but when a mallard family bustled through it flew off to Leverett Pond where I did not see it again when I walked back that way. Site-tick.

American Robin X
Song Sparrow 1 heard singing in the meadow.
Red-winged Blackbird X
Common Grackle X

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S14564122

Olmsted Park--Leverett Pond, Suffolk, MA, USA, 29-Jun-2013

6:25 PM - 6:55 PM
Protocol: Traveling
0.5 mile(s)
Comments: Another later patch visit - plenty of mosquitoes about so I couldn't linger unfortunately.
7:16pm to 7:30pm on the way back.
Weather: bright & sunny, breeze (N).
15 species

Canada Goose X
American Black Duck X
Mallard X
Double-crested Cormorant X
Mourning Dove X
Chimney Swift X
Eastern Kingbird 1
Warbling Vireo 1
American Robin X
Grey Catbird 1 heard.
European Starling X
Cedar Waxwing 1 , a site-tick.
Red-winged Blackbird X
Common Grackle X
House Sparrow X

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S14564075

Olmsted Park--Leverett Pond, Suffolk, MA, USA, 23-Jun-2013

7:55 PM - 8:27 PM
Protocol: Traveling
0.5 mile(s)
Comments: An evening patch visit with mum.
Weather: hot & sticky; dusk.
11 species

Canada Goose X
Double-crested Cormorant X
Great Blue Heron X
Northern Flicker 1 dusting itself in the dust of the batting zone on the software pitch.
Eastern Kingbird 2
Warbling Vireo X
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2 including one juvenile. Flying over the water calling as they frequently exchanged food. Both were brown therefore not tree swallow.
American Robin X
Red-winged Blackbird X
Common Grackle X
House Sparrow X

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S14564059

Olmsted Park--Leverett Pond, Suffolk, MA, USA, 18-May-2013

7:27 PM - 7:42 PM
Protocol: Traveling
0.25 mile(s)
Comments: On the way back from my extended walk to Jamaica Pond.
3 species

Spotted Sandpiper 1 with the solitary sandpiper.

Solitary Sandpiper 1 on mud bank just off small island at north-west point of pond. At first I thought it was a lesser yellowlegs but the legs were not that yellow & it was smaller overall. Verifying from photos and videos on the internet. Life-tick.

Eastern Kingbird 1

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S14165144

Jamaica Pond--Pinebank Promontory, Suffolk, MA, USA, 18-May-2013

6:00 PM - 6:47 PM
Protocol: Traveling
0.25 mile(s)
Comments: Fourth part of patch walk, I included an extension to Jamaica Pond and found a nice little part of wood and open meadow.
13 species

Canada Goose X
Mallard X
Mourning Dove 1 heard.
Eastern Kingbird 2 total; first one high in a pine tree, later joined by another which it either flirted or fought with.
Warbling Vireo X
Tree Swallow 1
American Robin X
European Starling X
Chipping Sparrow 1 on the grass in the meadow area, up and down in a nearby tree.
Red-winged Blackbird X
Common Grackle X
Baltimore Oriole 1 immature bird in low shrubs by the path as I was leaving; flew about & squawked, maybe trying to find a roost?
American Goldfinch X - a few over as I sat on a bench, later I saw one or two in the trees.

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S14176437

Olmsted Park--Ward's Pond, Suffolk, MA, USA, 18-May-2013

5:33 PM - 6:00 PM
Protocol: Traveling
0.25 mile(s)
Comments: Third part of the patch walk.
6 species

Chimney Swift X
Tree Swallow 2 around the nest box.

Veery 1 along the path on the west-side of the pond. Brown-buff colour, light spots and angular features. Site-tick.

American Robin X
Grey Catbird 1 singing.
Common Grackle 2

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S14176353

Olmsted Park--Willow Pond and Meadow, Suffolk, MA, USA, 18-May-2013

5:14 PM - 5:33 PM
Protocol: Traveling
0.5 mile(s)
Comments: Second part of patch walk.
6:59pm on the way back.
14 species

Mallard 2 , a pair.
Chimney Swift X
Downy Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay X
Black-capped Chickadee X
Swainson's Thrush 1 just off the path on the way back.
American Robin X
Grey Catbird 1 heard.
European Starling X
Yellow-rumped Warbler 1 or 2 with chickadees on the way back.
Red-winged Blackbird X
Common Grackle X
Baltimore Oriole X
House Sparrow X

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S14176258