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Date: | Sat, 2 Jun 2012 15:31:26 -0400 |
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2012-06-02 Hoover Nature Preserve
This morning we launched the SS Hoover with Captain Shaune Skinner at the
helm. We were joined by Andy Schneider and the three of us had as a primary
goal to locate Prothonotary Warbler territories by boat that I would not
be able to by land. The other birds were pure gravy for us although we were
heavy on the gravy today. We covered areas along Big Walnut Creek and
Little Walnut Creek locating 25 new Prothonotary Warbler territories. Some of
the male Prothonotaries came in close and provided us with terrific views. To
date it looks to be an excellent year for the Prothonotaries at Hoover
Reservoir.
In the gravy department we tallied 57 species. The list was highlighted by
watching one adult Bald eagle on the nest and the second soaring overhead
and then landing close to the nest. It appeared that the adult on the nest
was occupied with feeding chores. We observed 5-6 Ospreys at different
areas including the pair at Platform #2 at Area M, a pair near White-tailed
Deer Island and several single birds as we sailed along. Could there be a
third nest lurking on Hoover this year? Overhead we counted 3 Broad-winged
Hawks and 2 Red-shouldered Hawks.
Waterfowl included 6 male Wood Ducks. Great Blue Heron numbers were lower
than expected but we managed to locate 4 Green Herons.
Shaune was pleased when one of the two Yellow-billed Cuckoos we located
was cooperative and provided us with excellent views out in the open. When it
tucked back into the greenery I did my take on a Yellow-billed Cuckoo
call. It brought the cuckoo back into the open but some nearby fishermen
probably thought that I completely lost it.
We located 4 separate Red-headed Woodpecker nest sites in the Area N area
to go along with the additional site I located earlier in an area far from
the creek. They seem to be having a very good year at the preserve.
Cliff Swallow numbers are good under the bridge on Old 3-C Highway as it
enters Galena Square. We estimated the current number at about 25-30. The
colony is building back up after the old bridge was torn down and replaced
just a couple of years ago.
In addition to the Prothonotary Warblers we only located 3-4 Northern
Parula on territory and we heard but one Yellow Warbler. The latter wasn’t
unexpected as the habitat is really not right for them along the two creeks. I
was surprised not to find any Yellow-throated Warblers or Louisiana
Waterthrush. Both are usually present along Big Walnut Creek.
Baltimore Orioles were abundant and their colors were rich when they
perched in the sunlight.
It was really nice weather to sail in, especially after the brutal heat of
last weekend. Shaune and Andy made for great company while leisurely
birding by boat. A complete list of the birds located by boat today follows.
Charlie Bombaci
Hoover Nature Preserve, Delaware County
SPECIES LIST
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Green Heron
Turkey Vulture
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Mallard
Osprey
Bald Eagle
Red-shouldered Hawk
Broad-winged Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Ring-billed Gull
Mourning Dove
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Chimney Swift
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Belted Kingfisher
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Acadian Flycatcher
Eastern Phoebe
Great Crested Flycatcher
Warbling Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Tree Swallow
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Bank Swallow
Cliff Swallow
Barn Swallow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
House Wren
Eastern Bluebird
American Robin
Gray Catbird
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Northern Parula
Yellow Warbler
Prothonotary Warbler
Song Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Indigo Bunting
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
Baltimore Oriole
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
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