Morning Birding at Hallam Lake Species List

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Tuesday, September 8, 2020 7:30AM – 10:30AM
Weather:  Cloudy, light rain, cool. 
Location: Hallam Lake

Comments:

 

The weather is shifting with the first snowfall of the season on the valley floor.  Our outing took place in a window of cloudy, cool weather with light rain prior to colder temps and snow blowing in just a few hours later.  Birds were busy foraging, especially any time the sun burned through the clouds.  We found the greatest activity in the shrubs and at the water’s edge.  Migrating warblers were seemingly everywhere, one last swallow was seen overhead, and a few wood-pewees were flycatching near the water.  Highlights included learning the kip kip flight call of red crossbills and seeing them at close range; a Townsend’s warbler in a spruce; large flocks of pine siskins; a dipper on the river; a flock of pygmy nuthatches; song and Lincoln’s sparrows side-by-side for excellent comparison; and four green-winged teals on the lake.  Today was a good reminder that birding can still be great even when the weather seems less than ideal, and a reminder that fall is upon us!  Join us on Thursday for birding at North Star Nature Preserve!

 

~ Rebecca Weiss, ACES Bird Guide

Photo by Mark Fuller