Bird Walk Report: Fall Migration
Date: September 14, 2024
Time: 9:15 AM - 10:36 AM
Location: LeTort/Goodyear Parks, Cumberland, Pennsylvania, US
Distance: 0.69 miles
Protocol: Traveling
Tour: The Bird Guy Tours Monthly Carlisle Walk
Weather: No wind, patchy clouds, warm temperatures
Attendees: 9 new birders
Today’s bird walk was a nontraditional one, filled with anticipation and rewarded with action as the morning progressed. Despite a quiet start, the conditions were beautiful for birding, with clear skies, pleasant warmth, and a calm atmosphere. The birds held back during the first half of the walk, but as the morning heated up, so did the bird activity.
Along with the usual residents—Canada Geese and Mallards—several migratory species made their appearance, offering an exciting conclusion to our leisurely tour. Below is a summary of the bird species spotted during the walk.
Species Observed (22 total):
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) – numerous
Mallard (Domestic type) (Anas platyrhynchos) – numerous
Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica) – 27
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) – 3
Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) – 4
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) – 2
Merlin (Falco columbarius) – 1
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) – 7
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) – 2
Carolina Chickadee (Poecile carolinensis) – 2
Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) – 5
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) – 1
Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) – 1
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) – numerous
Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) – 3
Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) – 1
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) – 8
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) – 6
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) – 2
Tennessee Warbler (Leiothlypis peregrina) – 2
Palm Warbler (Setophaga palmarum) – 1
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) – 1
A special highlight was the lone Merlin, slicing through the sky, a beautiful sight against the patchy clouds. Other noteworthy sightings included 2 Chimney Swifts, darting about, and a couple of warblers—Tennessee Warbler and Palm Warbler—indicating that fall migration is in full swing.
Though the day began slowly, it quickly transformed into a rewarding outing for both the seasoned birders and the newcomers. We look forward to what the next walk brings as the migration continues!
You can view the full checklist online: eBird Checklist
This report was generated by eBird v3 (https://ebird.org/home)
Thanks to all that attended.
Andrew Dapkins
Guide and Owner
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