Birding Dude: Van Courtlandt Bird Walk Report...

Some of our regulars - note the runners in the background

Our walk began with a quick scan of the parade ground and we were rewarded with the sight of 3 Killdeers that were scurrying around in the midst of some 600 + Canada Geese. Last week, we did not pick up the Killdeers, so it was nice to get them out of the way early before the ground got active. We then, worked our way to the restoration area behind the Van Cortlandt House Museum, were we had Ruby-throated Hummingbird, though they were not in the same numbers we had last week, we ended up with 3 in total for the walk. Our best bird for that spot was a juvenile White-crowned Sparrow. It was one that we were very proud of since we later learned from Urban Park Ranger Deli, that they had not recorded any WCS on their walks ever at Van Courtlandt. We would find another White-crowned Sparrow, near the golf course along Vault Hill.

Green Heron and Wood Ducks in the same frame.

We did take a peek in at Tibbets brook along the golf course and had Green Heron along with several Wood Ducks. We also had one Solitary Sandpiper and a few other birds in that area including 2 Great Blue Herons and crippling looks at a Carolina Wren. Later on at Vault Hill, we hit a nice little pocket of activity that nabbed us our second White-crowned Sparrow and several warblers. We continued over Vault hill and made our way to the stables all the while birding. Unfortunately, it was once again quite busy with several cross country races that made birding quite challenging along the trails as we kept on having to dodge runners. Eventually, we ended up taking the cross country trail near the stables and worked our way back to the Van Courtlandt Nature Center. Below is a list of the birds seen on the walk.