Birding in Neighborhoods North–Summer 2025
By Nancy Luenn
June 11 - Pratt Loop Trail: Eight birders set off along the Pratt Loop Trail on a sunny morning. The tall meadow grass was golden and brilliant with wildflowers. Birds seen or heard in the meadow included Brown-headed Cowbird, Barn Swallow, Swainson’s Thrush, Savannah Sparrow, Red Crossbill, American Goldfinch and the obligatory Bald Eagle.
The forest was full of birdsong with the birds mostly heard but not seen. We identified four species of flycatchers: Willow Flycatcher, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Western Flycatcher and Western Wood-Pewee. Other forest birds included Orange-crowned Warbler, Bewick’s Wren, Black-headed Grosbeak, Brown Creeper, Bushtit and Pine Siskin. A somewhat unnerving surprise was being buzzed by a territorial Red-breasted Nuthatch! We identified 35 species.
BIN-North at Bowman Bay. Photo credit: Denise Marion
July 9 – Bowman Bay and Rosario Beach: Six birders explored Bowman Bay and Rosario Beach. It was a drizzly day, but a great day for birding. We identified 41 species and sighted birds we often hear but rarely see. Amid the driftwood and seaweed, we spotted fuzzy yellow sparrow chicks and scruffy juvenile Barn Swallows.
Along the shoreline and forest edge we surprised a family of Brown Creepers and were impressed by the russet head of a Brown-headed Cowbird. There were numerous Belted Kingfishers on the pier and swooping under it. At the pond we were delighted by a family of Wilson’s Warblers and saw the male’s little black cap. We also sighted a female Hooded Merganser, a mother Mallard with ducklings, a kingfisher and a furry mammal that we guessed was a muskrat. The group then shuttled to Rosario Beach to look for Oystercatchers. A special treat was watching a mother river otter and her pup catching fish among the tide pools.
White Pelican at Deer Lagoon. Photo credit: Rick Matsen
August 13 – Deer Lagoon: Birders from BIN-North and BIN-South met at the trailhead on a blue-sky day. The lagoon was busy with birdlife. Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs waded in the shallows, making it easy to identify differences between them. Least and Western Sandpipers were feeding and flying in flocks. Two islands in the lagoon were white with Bonaparte’s Gulls, Ring-billed Gulls and American White Pelicans. At one point the gulls all took flight, providing a clear view of the pelicans. On the east side of the dike was a solitary Whimbrel.
Birders watching Great Blue Herons near the south end of the dike saw a pelican land near the herons. We were impressed by how large pelicans are!
Birds along the trail were plentiful and included American Goldfinch, Marsh Wren, Common Yellowthroat and Yellow-rumped Warbler. We enjoyed the antics of a family of California Quail and marveled at the tiny chicks. A small group identified a Virginia Rail. Total species: 38.
It was a glorious day! We hope BIN-North and BIN-South will meet again.