June 25, 2008 Summer Morning Birding: Pecan Grove and Soccer Fields
and Lake Waco Hike and Bike Trail. 8:00 AM-10:15 AM, 81 F-91 F. As
George Carlin says, it started out hot=85got hotter=85got too hot. Sunny
conditions, wind not getting up until almost 10:00.
It was good to be out having just been release from the doctor=92s care
for my left knee. It is always good to be greeted by calls and songs
immediately as one gets out of the vehicle. Twenty seven species were
identified. However, one sparrow=92s identification is worrisome. I
think that I=92m going with an immature Swamp Sparrow. This was found
head high in a pecan close to the river. At first, I thought it might
be a Lincoln=92s, but it was duller all over. The chest lacked any kind
of stripes. And to complicate things, the checklist lists this bird
as uncommon in all seasons save summer, which has no designation.
There were several Barn Swallows flying low over the soccer fields=97
beautiful, fast and acrobatic. Eastern Bluebirds, immatures, were on
the edge of the grove near the fields. Overhead, flying over the
fields headed to the river in an upward echelon were a Copper=92s Hawk
followed by a Red Tailed Hawk followed by a Turkey Vulture.
While Mourning doves were found on the fields, it was White-winged
Doves on the Hike and Bike trail. I enjoyed Mr. Gaudy, a.k.a. Painted
Bunting, male. Mixed in with the Cliff Swallows were a few flying
cigars, a.k.a. Chimney Sifts, near the Dam.
Red Bellied Woodpecker
Northern Cardinal
Carolina Wren, h
Carolina Chickadee
Bewick=92s Wren
Downy Woodpecker, h
American Crow
Swamp Sparrow, imm.
Tufted Titmouse
Great Crested Flycatcher
Barn Swallow
Eastern Bluebird
Turkey Vulture
Red Tailed Hawk
Cooper=92s Hawk
Great Blue Heron
Belted Kingfisher, h
Northern Mockingbird
Scissortail Flycatcher
Common Grackle
Mourning Dove
Yellow Billed Cuckoo, h
White-winged Dove
Painted Bunting
Cliff Swallow
Chimney Swift
European Starling, imm.
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