18 May BIRDING REPORT – Sutton Village – Sunset

Sunset is a great time to spot and hear some unusual birds. I have a few favourite spots where I go to watch the American Woodcock’s courtship display, which begins at 8:30 p.m. Right now, there are also loads of Yellow Warblers along the bike path through the park in Sutton. You’ll also hear plenty of Common Yellowthroats singing, and sometimes catch sight of water birds flying overhead—like Great Blue Herons, ducks, and geese. Evening is also a great time to enjoy the songs of thrushes. Hermit Thrushes can be heard along the Village Mountain Trail, while Veeries sing along Route 215 near the water source.

I did two sunset outings in the village this week—one with the COBM club where we observed 31 species and one with my own group yesterday evening. The highlight was helping a Snapping Turtle safely cross Route 215. We found it just as it began to cross the road and carried it to the other side—hopefully to safety. Here is the list of birds from yesterday’s evening hike:

• Mallard
• Mourning Dove
• Chimney Swift
• Great Blue Heron
• Eastern Kingbird
• American Crow
• Black-capped Chickadee
• Gray Catbird
• Brown Thrasher
• American Robin
• Song Sparrow
• Red-winged Blackbird
• Common Grackle
• Common Yellowthroat
• Yellow Warbler
• Northern Cardinal