Cape Cod Bird Nerd

7.17.15 - Bird Walks - Camp Wingate*Kirkland - Yarmouthport, MA

This fine morning my intention was to lead the birdwalks, while discussing the healthy habitat that we're surrounded by at Camp W*K. Almost immediately we were surprised, maybe even shocked, by a Ruby-throated Hummingbird! I'm always expecting to observe them hovering in & around flowers as they feed on the nectar, but this bird was flying here and there in the oak & pine branches! What a show they put on... when you can SEE them! SO fast and you often swear you're watching a huge bug! What a great way to start our first walk! One of the campers spotted an American Robin juvenile being feed by its parent. I was unable to get a good photo of that unfortunately because they took off as soon as we got too close for their comfort. We used our nature shapes
(crafted from recycled pizza boxes and duct tape. I hate WASTE!) I wanted to share with the campers how even a square plot of earth needs to stay healthy in order to keep the birds & the plants and us healthy! They seemed to enjoy the concept and each of them got to use a nature shape and point out what was encompassed in the space and how it might be useful to birds in their habitat. On the second walk we came upon an American Goldfinch male pulling on a string that was caught in a tree, kite string? Balloon String? Hard to say, but it was amusing watching him, plus they are so stunning to look at! We also were rewarded with spotting an Eastern Towhee forage through the leaf litter at the edge of the basketball court. Super walks and discussions about how to keep the habitats healthy for the birds and the wildlife. Healthy habitat means healthy everyone! (double click photos to enlarge)

Our List (Walk 1):
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Tufted Titmouse
Pine Warbler
Downy Woodpecker
American Goldfinch
Song Sparrow
American Robin
Red-winged Blackbird
Gray Catbird