Al LaSala and I birded at Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve in Licking County today. Despite the hot weather we had a respectable day with great looks at some nice birds. Our day began with a reptile instead of a bird. We found a large snapping turtle in the process of laying eggs at the place she chose for her nest. Once we began serious birding we were greeted by a White-eyed Vireo at the head of the Marie Hickey Trail. As we worked the Trail we added Red-shouldered Hawk, Barred Owl, Acadian Flycatcher, Red-eyed Vireo, Wood Thrush, Common Yellowthroat, Hooded Warbler, Scarlet Tanager and Indigo Bunting as we climbed to the summit. At the upper portion of the trail near the gas well there is an open area. Here we added Prairie Warbler, Blue-winged Warbler, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Yellow-throated Vireo, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellow-throat, Yellow-breasted Chat, and Bobolink. After a break for lunch we worked part of the Blackhand Trail and the Quarry Rim Trail. Along this area we added Green Heron, Great Crested Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Northern Parula, Yellow-throated Vireo and Baltimore Oriole. Some additional observations included finding active nests for an Acadian Flycatcher and a Yellow-throated Warbler.

Charlie Bombaci



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