CUC Bird Walk Report: Sun Feb 9

Bird Walk Results
Sunday Morning Feb 9

Report filed by:
Rev. LoraKim Joyner, DVM

Time of observations: 8:30am - noon EST
Site: Grounds of Community Unitarian Church, 468 Rosedale Ave (approx. 8 acres)

red-bellied woodpecker

Today’s bird walk was a resounding success – success being defined that we saw more species of birds than the outside temperature this morning. White Plains reported a low of 13 degrees this morning and 18 avian species in total were seen by 5 intrepid bird watchers. Our hours for observing birds begin at sunlight at the parsonage bird feeders and end at noon, and include anywhere on CUC grounds. So even though the bird walk is 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. , late comers can still seek to observe birds before, during and after the service. Just report into LoraKim the birds you saw if not during the bird walk.

For instance today I saw two black-capped chickadees outside the sanctuary windows during the service (and yes I was paying attention to the sermon, really!) and when I stepped outside with the aroma of chili following me, I saw two red-tailed hawks flying over. They were engaging in aerial courtship displays causing my heart to quicken for indeed the promise of spring and the nesting season is coming upon us.

While in the parsonage supping on Russian tea and eating cookies, we talked about the species of birds that are dimorphic, meaning that you can tell the difference between the sexes, including cardinals, juncos, downy woodpeckers, red-bellied woodpeckers, starlings, house finches, house sparrows, and goldfinches. This time of year, however, the male goldfinches resemble females in that they have not molted in their bright yellow breeding plumage. I swear, although perhaps it’s wishful thinking, that each week the male goldfinches are a little more yellow as the days march towards March.

Speaking of March, the next bird walk is March 2, Sunday, at 8:30 a.m. in back of the parsonage.
See you there,
LoraKim

Here’s the complete bird list:

Red-tailed Hawk

Species Seen Feb 9

2 red-tailed hawk
8 mourning dove
2 red-bellied woodpecker
1 downy woodpecker
6 blue jay
2 black-capped chickadees
2 tufted titmouse
2 white-breasted nuthatch
2 Carolina wren
1 American robin
1 European starling
3 song sparrow
2 white-throated sparrow
4 dark-eyed junco
2 northern cardinal
2 house finch
4 house sparrow
9 American goldfinch

Previous Bird Walk Report (click on date)
Sun Jan 5