Following is the count from Sunday's Great Falls weekly bird walk sponsored by
the National Park Service Great Falls Park. Our 10 participants identified 27
species + 2 taxa. We may have been Gullible on this walk but we did count 535
Ring-billed gulls flying over in waves. While expecting some inclement weather
we did not expect to find a vortex of 9 Brown Creepers swirling around a few
large trees upriver. We usually find creepers to be solitary birds and may see
one or two. Finally, we are happy to report that the pair of eagles on Conn
island were sitting on the nest.
This walk meets at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings, rain or shine in the parking
lot.
The walk does not take place during electrical storms, heavy snows, or when the
trails are icy. All those with an interest in the natural world, beginning and
experience birders, or those who just want in a nice walk in a beautiful and
historical setting are welcome to join us.
Canada Goose 28
Mallard 6
Bufflehead 20
Mourning Dove 6
Ring-billed Gull 535
Great Blue Heron 5
Black Vulture 3
Turkey Vulture 5
Bald Eagle 1 Adult, in Conn Island nest.
Buteo sp. 3 Possible Broad Wings based on overall shape, profile in flight,
and height in the sky; however, a bit early in the year for these birds.
Barred Owl 2 Two adults, perched close to one another.
Red-bellied Woodpecker 6
Downy Woodpecker 4
Pileated Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 3
Blue Jay 4
American Crow 3
crow sp. 6
Carolina Chickadee 5
Tufted Titmouse 8
White-breasted Nuthatch 6
Brown Creeper 9
Carolina Wren 8
Golden-crowned Kinglet 2
Dark-eyed Junco 3
White-throated Sparrow 7
Song Sparrow 5
Common Grackle 42
Northern Cardinal 10
