Fall Bird Migration – September 2021

Photo Will Vyuk

​Dane Gallagher’s Fall Migrant Field Trip on 9/12/21 was well attended by thirteen students, visiting family members, and community members. The field trip was not, however, well attended by the birds. It was still a beautiful (if somewhat sprinkly) day to be in the Preserve, and Dane had a number of anecdotes and facts to fill the void between the infrequent mallard or gull. At the tip of Picnic Point a few attendees pointed out what at first appeared to be birds crossing the lake. But as the creatures floated closer we realized that they were in fact monarch butterflies. Around 30 must have flown by while we watched. Those of us who stayed until the very end were treated finally with visible birds back by the entrance.  Three woodpeckers (two large hairy/downy and one red-bellied) were found pecking away on a single tree beneath the flitting wings of hunting flycatchers. Report and photos by Friends host was Will Vuyk.