Today was a very exciting birding experience. We got to Oakledge Park around 7:45 AM, and our TA Sean lead us through the park. It was a clear, sunny morning around 46 degrees F, with little wind and calm waters. We started off by hearing a Song Sparrow call from the parking lot, which Sean mentioned was the first he has heard this season. We heard a few more while there, and there was way more calling from different species of birds in general than I have heard yet this season, which was also exciting. A lot of Common Grackles were flying overhead in flocks, which have only been back for about a week and a half.
The most exciting part of our time was seeing the Great Horned Owl. It flew in while we were looking at gulls. It caused a lot of activity from other birds, especially a flock of American Crows that followed it into the tree. I thought it was fascinating to see an owl out of its normal nocturnal habitat, and the crows so fearlessly mobbing it. A few gulls flew by too, and other songbirds were calling when we walked closer to where we assumed the owl was. Through a spotting scope I could clearly see it's yellow eyes and distinctive facial feathers. Even without a scope or binoculars, the sheer size of the bird was obvious and very impressive. An awesome start to the day!
It was also nice to see the three Common Mergansers swimming in the lake. Using the spotting scope again, it was cool to see the females' brown coloring and "fuzzy" head plumage, and the male's sleek, iridescent green head and black and white body. What a beautiful species.
I'm really looking forward to learning and seeing more species as they return to Burlington for spring.
Clear song, with three notes followed by a trill.
Singing in the white pines.
Calling and flying in a flock overhead, moving from tree to tree.
Maybe 2nd year, out on the water. Larger than ring-billed.
A few juveniles on the shore, as well as in the water. Smaller than herring gulls and marks on bill.
Perched on top of a tree, flew in for a few minutes before flying away. Was being mobbed by a flock of crows, as well as a few gulls. Caused a great deal of commotion.
A flock mobbing a Great-Horned Owl that flew in. Very active.
One sitting on a white pine branch, calling.
Pecking at some dead branches, flying back and forth through trees
Two geese swimming near the shore of the bay.
Two females and one male, swimming in the open water.
Seemed to be a young male, tufted head and tone of a titmouse, but it's song was a bit off.
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Great entry and observations. Thanks!
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