Date: 4/27/25 1:41 pm From: Antonio, Robert J. <anto...> Subject: Burcham: Sunday
I did not plan to go out today but when the drizzle stopped, I did mid-morning walk along the Kaw. A south-easterly wind blew for much of my walk. Still not comfy out there. I listed 41 species - Warbling Vireos (12), Baltimore Orioles (15), and Swainson's Thrush (17) were numerous and their notes could be heard practically everywhere in the park (along with common resident species Red-bellied WPs, Flickers, Carolina Wrens, &Cardinals).
Hundreds and likely thousands of migrating swallows were operating low over the Kaw- the lighting was poor but I believe most were Northern Rough-winged and Tree Swallows. The colony of Cliff Swallers hung out on the wires above the Mass Street bridge and were flying around thee south end of the park. Saw Chimney Swifts, two Fish Crows (regulars who are likely nesting nearby), a Red-shouldered Hawk called, & a Great Blue Heron flew over.
Heard Red-headed Woodpecker calls (3) and Eastern Bluebird (3) song. A Pileated Woodpecker called from across the Kaw north of its usual nesting area.
Heard one Norther Parula and observed Yellow-rumped Warblers (12) - several sang. Just before I left the park, I observed a group of likely warblers operating in the mid to upper stories, sheltered from the wind - but I did not hear their notes and the lighting was too poor for me to identify them.
I did find a few FOS migrants:
Franklin's Gull (approximately 50-75) flew above the cultivated fields north of the park, cackling as they flew.
Gray Catbird - singing in a thick bush toward the north end of the park
Great Egret- Flew by on opposite side of the Kaw
Cedar Waxwing - (approx. 30)
House Wren - Scolded me loudly from the interior of a bush
Empid Species - likely a Least but did not hear its notes.
Heard Red-eyed Vireos outside the park but none today in Burcham. Did not see the Blue-winged Duck pairs or Wood Ducks today.
At my home, I have Eucalyptus (or closely related) tree with a hole where a branch broke off - BC Chickadees are feeding young there. One parent bolts out almost every time I start my car nearby and when I return home it flies out and scolds me until I enter my house. Can hear the feed-me notes of the young.
