Birdwalk Highlights for 4/22: Riverfront Woods Preserve, Yarmouth

Everyone got a lifer this morning: Riverfront Woods Preserve! No one in the group had been here before, and I have wanted to add it into our spring mix. Unfortunately, it wasn't the birdiest spot today, but we did have several highlights. It was also nice to have the park to ourselves, and the trails here are fantastic.

While our first BLUE-HEADED VIREO of the year (a touch on the early side) was nice to hear, I think everyone most enjoyed the pair of BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES (of 10+ total) that we closely observed excavating a dead snag. A large hole on one side of the cavity allowed the rare window in the the chickadee's world, as we were able to see into the cavity and watch the birds excavating within. There was some subtle cheering overheard when a particularly large beak-full of wood was removed.

I had hoped for a good number of PALM and/or YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS in the beaver flowage or along the river, but surprisingly, we only heard one of each. We did have at least 3 PINE WARBLERS, however, including good looks at two males that came in to join a pair of mobbing RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES.

Other migrants included two GREAT BLUE HERONS in flight and two TREE SWALLOWS zipping by overhead. In the woods and edge, we also had 5 RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS, 4 CHIPPING SPARROWS (including two in the midst of a serious battle), 3 HERMIT THRUSHES, 3 EASTERN PHOEBES, and a YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER. 8 SONG SPARROWS were scattered about, and a couple of RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS flew to and fro.

Additional resident species included a calling PILEATED WOODPECKER, 5 TUFTED TITMICE, 3 BROWN CREEPERS, and at least two singing WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES.