Let's face it, the summer is not the best time to go birding. It can be hot and buggy and migrating species have come and gone. However, this day was cool, dry and sunny. There were lots of great birds and we had some great highlights. There were many nesting species which provided the excitement.
We began at Bartow Mansion, birding the perimeter of the field behind the parking lot. There were some Catbirds and Robins, a Baltimore Oriole and a Cardinal or two. We then headed back behind the mansion. First, we went out on the field and then followed the trail to the water. Along the way we spotted a Carolina Chickadee, Yellow Warblers and other species. Glenn spotted some Cedar Waxwings but we were all focused on an extremely upset Orchard Oriole. He was chattering and jumping all around while I tried to get a photo. Apparently we were very close to a fledgling in the bush. John had spotted the female Orchard Oriole feeding the fledgling earlier. George spotted an Osprey, hovering directly overhead, looking to dive. There were both Barn and Tree Swallows flying.
We then decided to check out the riding trail behind the golf course. We had some great looks at fledgling Barn Swallows being fed on a bare branch. Glen spotted an Eastern Kingbird nearby on a wire. The Kingbird remained for the entire time and we located it's nest nearby with a nestling. We continued to walk and found a Wood Thrush, an Eastern Wood- Pee Wee and a Red Eyed Vireo on the way. The mosquitoes were getting fierce and we decided to make our way back. It was almost time for lunch.
Species Account
Orchard Oriole and fledgling
Barn Swallows, nestlings and fledglings
Eastern Kingbird and nestling
Eastern Wood- Pee Wee
Wood Thrush
Cedar Waxwing
Osprey
Black Capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Red Eyed Vireo
yellow Warbler
Tree Swallow
Baltimore Oriole
Downy Woodpecker
American Robin
Common Grackle
European Starling
Rock Pigeon
Gray Catbird
Eastern Mockingbird
Red-winged Blackbird
Great Egret
American Goldfinch
Brown-headed Cowbird
Mourning Dove
