ASCM 2008 Late Fall Migration Walk

Here is a "dispatch from the front" courtesy of Dave and Elaine Pardoe, the veteran ASCM volunteers who led the walk: Audubon Bird Walk, Audrey Carroll Sanctuary, November 15, 2008: When we got up this morning and saw the rain outside we figured the bird walk would be a "no show," and if we hadn't been leaders we would have skipped It! However, we drove to the sanctuary in case any hardy souls showed up. When we got there the rain had stopped and in due time three other people arrived. As we headed down the trail the weather got steadily better, the sky cleared, and it gradually got warmer. We saw 30 species of birds in our leisurely stroll and picked up a new species for the Sanctuary, Pine Siskin, which brings the Sanctuary total up to 171 species. Along the way we saw---or in some cases only heard---a nice variety of birds. Lots of sparrows: White-throated, Song, Field, Junco, and good views of a Fox Sparrow thanks to Dave Smith and his spotting scope. Golden-crowned Kinglets put on a nice show, as did the Pine Siskins. We did not see, or hear, Turkeys, so we definitely need to go back. It was 11:30 when we had looped back to our cars; a nice walk. Join us on the next trip; it will be winter by then and birds will probably vary a bit as will the scenery, especially if it has snowed! Dave and Elaine Pardoe