A Spring Bird Walk at Ridley Creek SP

Enjoyed a lovely spring walk this morning, on the DVOC field trip, through Ridley Creek State Park (above).  Though this is one of Delaware County’s best spots to to witness the spectacle of spring migration, however we found only a few including Gray-cheeked Thrush, Black-throated Blue Warbler and several singing Blackpolls.

There was plenty of activity by the breeders. We heard the beautiful song of many Wood Thrushes and Veery’s as well as a Pileated Woodpecker calling loudly nearby, but were unable to locate it. This was one of 5 woodpecker species for the day. The sounds of Red-eyed Vireo (above), Gray Catbirds, Eastern Towhee, Baltimore Oriole, Great Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Wood Pewee, Ovenbird, American Redstart and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers were steady companions during our walk. Indigo Bunting was often heard but eluded us as did a Yellow-throated and White-eyed Vireo. It was a treat to hear Acadian Flycatchers and a Louisiana Waterthrush in the riparian habitat along Ridley Creek.

Among the highlights were several Blue-winged Warblers singing along the edge of the open area; we finally got a good look at one perched in a tangle of vines. While following the call of a Hooded Warbler a male Scarlet Tanager alighted above our heads. An unexpected find was a Brown Bat clinging to the base of a large Beech tree. The biggest bird of the trip, in many ways, was a stunning Barred Owl (above). We first saw it perched low along the edge of the path being mobbed by Blue Jays. It flew into an open spot giving everyone excellent views of this rarely encountered local breeder.