Hi all,
I have always believed horrible weather can provide some of the most
memorable birding opportunities. Bob's Kittiwake today is a perfect example.
With that in mind, and a Kittiwake under my belt, I decided to go to the Lab
and look for thrushes.
I thought the trails would be empty in the pouring rain so I wasn't
surprised to be the only wet person out there. I walked the spur trail, from
the parking lot, to the Hoyt-Pileated trail, Woodleton Boardwalk, East Trail to
the pond then back over SSW road to the Wilson Trail, Podell Boardwalk to the
Lab. The spur trail afforded me nice looks at a hopping SWAINSON'S THRUSH and
ROBINS. H-Pileated Trail gave up a perched HERMIT and feeding WOOD THRUSH. Over
the Woodleton Boardwalk to East Trail, ( thrush alley ), I had a nice view of a
GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH and another WOOD THRUSH. I had been hearing Veery and as I
crossed the road onto Wilson Trail I had my first look at a VEERY along with
another WOOD THRUSH. Of course Robins were an ever present companion. All the
thrushes seem skittish as they can be, but the fact that walkers hadn't been
spooking them from the trail gave me more chances to see them in the open. This
is by far the most complete visual thrush experience I've ever had. The fact
that I missed Bluebird, and the more exotic thrushes, doesn't diminish the
enjoyment of what I call my minor thrush sweep.
Gary
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