28 birders participated in the Mother’s Day bird walk at the Racebrook Tract in Orange and Woodbridge. We walked through beautiful deciduous and mixed coniferous woodlands, through the open brush of a power line cut, and along picturesque woodland streams. We were treated to fine looks at several beautiful and striking birds, including Baltimore Orioles, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, and Scarlet Tanagers. We also were pleased to see and hear a male Pileated Woodpecker. Ovenbirds were plentiful in the woods, but easier to hear than see. We heard several Louisiana Waterthrushes and saw several other warbler species, including Pine, Blue-winged, and Black and White Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, and Northern Parula. We saw and heard Wood Thrushes and heard a Veery. Other species of note observed on the trip included: Wood Duck, Red-tailed Hawk, Chimney Swift, Hairy Woodpecker, Eastern Kingbird, Eastern Towhee, and Field Sparrow. All total, 45 species were observed on the walk. This was a great way to celebrate Mother’s Day.
Chris Loscalzo