August 18

Saturday would have been a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. However, he stayed home while I was participated in a bird watching hike with three other community members. The early morning weather was sunny with a temperature of 55 degrees and no wind. We began by standing on the west side of the barn training our binoculars on Grebe Pond where we spotted a dozen Green Herons wading among the cattails and flying from shore to shore sounding off with their shrieking call. These birds typically stand still on shore or in shallow water or perch upon branches and await prey. Sometimes they drop food, insects, or other small objects on the water's surface to attract fish, making them one of the few known tool-using species. This feeding method has led some to declare this bird as among the world's most intelligent. Also, we spotted Grebes, Mallards and Wood ducks swimming on the pond. We perked up our ears to hear the faint call of a Sora Rail hidden in the cattails. As we hiked south into Native Grassland, we observed several Tree Swallows perched on the electrical wires high above. Also, we noticed a Kingbird and a female Bobolink. Passing the cemetery, we were surprised to see two Sand hill cranes walking on the neighbor’s mowed wheat field to the south. We turned at Frog Fen and headed west where we paused to admire a Goldfinch perched on a Honeysuckle shrub. These birds are very active now as they swoop over the fields singing and looking for thistle seeds to feed their young. We followed south trail and stopped to observe an immature Baltimore oriole perched on top of a willow thicket. Arriving at Sora Swale, we scared up a Great Blue Heron that took off from the pond and headed west. Also, we heard and saw several immature Cedar Waxwings perched on the dead tree branches. Circling Sora Swale, we walked along the edge of South Woods where we saw and heard a few Catbirds, a Crested Flycatcher and a Warbling Vireo. Also, we heard the call of a Tufted Titmouse coming from South Woods. At Artist Overlook, we stopped to see a Song Sparrow perched in white sweet clover and a Chimney Swift flying overhead. Throughout the hike, we saw and heard many crows. Circling Succession Field, we followed the trail through a cool and shady North Woods where no birds were seen. After leaving the woods, we headed south to Willow Wallow where we saw some immature Redwing Blackbirds perched high in a dead tree. Heading east along the edge of the pond, we climbed up the west side of Reflection Hill where we gazed down at Greb Pond to see four Blue wing Teal swimming in the thick duckweed. Finally, we arrived back at the Classroom Building to bid farewell and head for home.

In robe of orange, and of black,


With mellow music in his throat,


Our fairest summer bird is back


From southern woods and fields remote.

Beneath the shading, glossy leaves


The sunset gold upon his breast--


The restless, little toiler weaves


His hanging wonder of a nest!

And, as I watch him, flashing there,


My fancy deems the oriole


A wand'ring blossom of the air,


Endowed with wings, and voice, and soul!

Andrew Downing