Here is a link to the pictures.
http://s559.photobucket.com/albums/ss36/Al_LaSala/Blackhand%20Gorge/
-----Original Message-----
From: Ohio birds [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
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Sent: Monday, May 09, 2011 10:48 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [Ohio-birds] Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve, Licking County
Monday Al LaSala and I visited Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve in
Licking County. This is a wonderful area to bird or just visit. My favorite
trail is the Marie Hickey Trail which is on the north side of the Licking
River. The entrance is off Rockhaven Road. We began on the east trail
entrance which goes along an area of field with flora that is attractive to
numerous species. We were immediately greeted by White-eyed Vireos calling
from
either side of the trail. Soon they were joined by Blue-winged and Prairie
Warblers. The day got better as it went along. We worked our way around the
trail adding Northern Parula , Louisiana Waterthrush , American Redstarts,
, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat, Black & White, Black-throated
Green, Yellow , Blackburnian, Chestnut-sided, Yellow-rumped, and Cerulean
Warblers. Both Scarlet and Summer Tanagers were in good numbers, two Barred
Owls and a Red-shouldered Hawk. A Yellow-billed Cuckoo played tease with us
calling from a low tree line but not coming out into where we could view
it. After breaking for lunch we worked the Blackhand Trail and the Quarry
Rim Trail on the south side of the river. Activity was continuous during
the
early afternoon as we worked the river edge, adding Magnolia,
Yellow-throated, and Bay-breasted Warblers, Then along the Quarry Rim Trail
we suddenly
encountered ground zero for Hooded Warblers. It began when I phished with
hopes of bringing in a Hooded Warbler for Al to photograph. Instead of one
Hooded Warbler, we had Hooded Warblers everywhere we looked. A nice
situation to get into. Several of the previously seen warblers made
reappearances
and Ovenbirds joined in. Al spotted a Great-crested Flycatcher and then the
mate showed up. We watched them at their chosen nest cavity. As we walked
the last part of the trail back to the car a White-eyed Vireo called, then
got out shown by a Yellow-throated Vireo. Flitting side-by-side made their
different field marks obvious. A nice finish to the day. It's always great
to get out on a day like Monday, especially when shared with friends.
Charlie Bombaci
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______________________________________________________________________
Ohio-birds mailing list, a service of the Ohio Ornithological Society.
Our thanks to Miami University for hosting this mailing list.
Additional discussions can be found in our forums, at www.ohiobirds.org/forum/.
You can join or leave the list, or change your options, at:
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Send questions or comments about the list to: [log in to unmask]
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