Birding - Beechwood State Park

Eaton Birding Society

While the day started out a bit chilly, a quick stop at Muckrace Flats jump-started the day.

The Trumpeter Swan had a green tag but was unable to read it.

Arrived at Beechwood State Park just as the group was assembling to honor The 2015 Elon Howard Eaton Award winner, Jon Podoliak. The group presented Jon with a check for $500 and wished him well in his upcoming research.

In the Eaton Birding Society outing today were Jon Podoliak, Lyn Jacobs, Steve & Linda Benedict, Jean Bub, Marge Comstock, Lynn Donaldson, Leona Lauster, Mark Miller, Betsy Russell, new members - Robert Wright and Jessica Reeves and myself.

The bird of the day was the Pine Warbler, singing and active in two locations. With the
sun on the bird, was able to get a great look. A Sharp-shinned hawk perched in a tree, allowing me a brief glimpse before it took flight.

Lyn Jacobs complied the bird list:
Canada Goose 1
Red-breasted Merganser 7
duck sp. 3
Turkey Vulture 3
Sharp-shinned Hawk 2
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Mourning Dove 3
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 3
Northern Flicker 3
Eastern Phoebe 3
Blue Jay 6
American Crow 2
Black-capped Chickadee 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 6
Carolina Wren 2
Golden-crowned Kinglet 2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 9
American Robin 12
European Starling 1
Pine Warbler 4
Eastern Towhee 1
Fox Sparrow 3
Song Sparrow 4
White-throated Sparrow 6
Dark-eyed Junco 1
Northern Cardinal 4
Red-winged Blackbird 2
Common Grackle 2
Brown-headed Cowbird 7
Purple Finch 1
American Goldfinch 1

After a breakfast at Nick's Family Restaurant, stopped at this bird sanctuary. Things were quiet here, with the exception of a female Red-winged Blackbird.

On to Martens Tract, the tree swallows were active and had taken over a bluebird box.

After a pit stop at Tschache Pool where I visited with another birder and his wife and where we viewed a juvenile Bald Eagle flying over the observation tower, continued to South Spring Pool. Three Mallards in the pool plus three dragonflies along the path were the highlights.

Visited Mudlock. The Bald Eagle was on the point near the nest. An Osprey was in a tree north of the tower.

Leaving River Road pulled up to Joan's and my favorite house and introduced myself to Brian, the owner. Told him how we admired his home.

Before crossing Rt. 20 took a quick photo of a horse at Woodseye-View Stables.

Another great day for birding.

Previous 2015 Birding Walks:

Owasco Flats Nature Reserve

Cayuga College Nature Trail