Pathways Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, October 18, 2017
The Pathways trip to Bombay Hook NWR had one of those “I wish the weather was like this every day” days. Crystal clear blue skies, gentle breeze and temperature in the 70’s. The birds did not match the weather as the variety and number were not great. We still managed to get 38 species and nice looks at mature Bald Eagles soaring against a brilliant blue sky.
The only Warbler we encountered was the ever present Yellow-rump. One little fellow totally ignored our presence as he basked in the leaf litter at the edge of a trail. Rather unusual for birds that constantly flit about.
A stunning sight was a Peregrine Falcon rousting a huge flock of shorebirds (mostly Dunlin) from one of the pools. The wave-like synchronous movement of flashing white and dark as they twisted and turned trying to avoid the predator in their midst was quite beautiful. A single early migrant Snow Goose was also seen in a flock of Canada Geese. Song birds were scarce but we did get nice looks at a Ruby-crowned Kinglet and a Horned Lark on the refuge road.
Participants: Ethel Cebra, Robert Koch, Miriam Swartz, Louise Tompkins. Pathways guests: Lars Loercher and Chris and Jean Tindall (moving into Lumberton in November).
Bird List:
Canada Goose
American Black Duck
Mallard Duck
Northern Shoveler
Northern Pintail
Green-winged Teal
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Turkey Vulture
Peregrine Falcon
Bald Eagle
Black-bellied Plover
Greater Yellowlegs
Lesser Yellowlegs
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Dunlin
Ring-billed Gull
Royal Tern
Rock Dove
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Blue Jay
Horned Lark
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Carolina Chickadee
Carolina Wren
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Northern Mockingbird
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Brown-headed Cowbird
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow