Chippens Hill Grassland Birds Trip Report, June 1st, 2025
Continuing invasive species removal at Roberts Field in Bristol has led to increased grassland habitat suitable for Grasshopper Sparrows that have nested there in the past. 8 birders attended the walk to see if the Grasshopper sparrows returned again this year. Breeding has been intermittent at this site and this year the sparrows were not detected, despite the improved habitat. There was an abundance of field sparrows, song sparrows, yellow warblers, and goldfinches utilizing the mixed habitat. A yellow-billed cuckoo was heard several times, but, true to their secretive nature, went unseen. A short trip to farm fields on nearby Hill St. and Marsh Rd. rewarded attendees with a good showing of Bobolinks giving territorial displays over the fields that are maintained for breeding bird safety by ELCCT and a Green Heron perched secretively over a nearby pond gave good views once its position was detected. The weather was cool and breezy for a June morning but didn’t deter the birds from making their presence known.
Jack Swatt