Birding in Neighborhoods - North Report

By Nancy Luenn

Birding in Neighborhoods North (BIN North) outings are on the second Wednesday of the month at 9 a.m. We meet in the parking area of the month’s destination. To be added to (or removed from) the monthly outing reminders email Denise Marion or Nancy Luenn.

April 9: Ten birders met at Joseph Whidbey State Park on a cool gray morning. Four newcomers were welcomed by regular participants. We walked into a forest full of spring green leaves and birdsong. Among the species we identified were Dark-eyed Junco, Pine Siskin, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Black-capped Chickadee, Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Golden-crowned Kinglet. A highlight was seeing a Brown Creeper in action. 

At the edge of the forest, we encountered a new interpretive trail showcasing native plants that are pollinators, including Oregon Grape.

In the meadow we were greeted by blue sky and warm sunshine. We identified Brown-headed Cowbirds, spotted an Orange-crowned Warbler and admired a Mourning Dove on a branch above the trail. Highlights included a pair of Northern Harriers soaring and circling above the meadow. A Rufous Hummingbird perched atop a young alder, his red throat feathers flashing brilliant in the sun.

Circling back through the wetland, we heard a Marsh Wren, watched juvenile Golden-crowned Sparrows foraging and saw a Great Blue Heron in flight. It was a halcyon day, with 33 species.