Jenny Bowman and I visited Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve in Licking County today. Usually I visit Blackhand in early May during migration. Today we went to see what was still around. Activity varied between slow to moderate. A times we had birds singing and calling around us but just deep enough to prevent viewing them, then we had those rewarding moments when it seemed like we were watching a private show. Those times made the day worth the wait.

The show stopper of the day were a pair of Louisiana Waterthrush. I first heard the male calling and we honed in on the location. Instead of a lone bird we found the pair foraging in and along a stretch of stream. The two were gathering insects and taking them to the nest site. With their bodies bobbing they worked every nook and cranny, poking into the rocks and debris looking for nourishment for their brood. They seemed to become use to us and simply went about their parental duties. One could not ask for better looks as what I assume was the male perched on rocks and did a 360 degree turn showing off every field mark from the head's white eyebrow, clean white throat and flank streaks, to its pink legs. The other, which I assumed to be the female, was more reserved and stayed closer to the nest site. Both were in the open most of the time as we sat and watched them. 

A few others that cooperated and came completely into the open were Prairie, Hooded, Yellow and Cerulean Warblers, while some others that were singing but not cooperating to the point of coming into the open were Ovenbird, Yellow-breasted Chat, Northern Parula, Kentucky, Blue-winged and Yellow-throated Warblers. The lush foliage would not give up its prizes to us. Life is so much easier before everything leaf's out.

The resident Red-shouldered Hawks were calling as they soared above us. I had hoped to locate a Black Vulture but only TV's were seen overhead.

Multiple flycatchers were around with the Acadians being very numerous. More Scarlet Tanagers were heard than seen although one male did show itself well after a hunt for it in the foliage. Once found he perched to be admired. There were many Cedar Waxwings working the flora with berries. Lots of vireos led by many White-eyed. With the other usual suspects we tallied 61 species in all.

Charlie Bombaci for myself and Jenny Bowman

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