BirdWalk Newsletter 5.27.2018

Walks Conducted by

Perry Nugent and Ray Swagerty

Newsletter Written by

Jayne J. Matney

Cover Photograph by Paula Collins

“Just Chillin’”

Just-for-Fun photographs always

seem to make a person smile. So,

this week, pictures from

photographers of Magnolia

Plantation’s arsenal of members

and friends will be highlighted with

this theme in mind.

All of these photographs were taken on the plantation grounds.

Photographers, thank you for sharing your talents and sense of fun. Keep doing it!

“Just Chillin’ Too!” Photo by Paul Barnes

“Snake in a Box…Bird Box That Is!”

Photo by Glen Cox

“Oops! Mayhaps I went too far..” Photo by Jo Frkovich

“Someone Woke Up Grouchy!” Photo by Cathy Padgett

“Someone Woke Up Hungry!”

Just kidding…someone wants nesting

materials! Photo by Jo Frkovich

“The Passing of Time”

Photo by David Goltra MD

“Living Life with a Sibling!”

Photo by Angie Bridges

“Who’s Out There?”

Photo by Guenter Weber

“A Freeloader Hitching a Ride!” Photo by Guenter Weber

“Waddling Through”

Photo left by Paula Collins

Always stretch before and after exercise!

Photo below by Jo Frkovich

“Pretty Peaches” Photo by Angie Bridges

“Pretty Teeth” Photo by Jo Frkovich

We Get All Kinds of Visitors….

“This is Livin’ the Life!”

Photo by Guenter Weber

… And We Witness All Kinds of Things

“Why Me?!” Photo by Jo Frkovich

Framed in a “Why Me?!” Moment too!

Photo by Paul Barnes

Black-crowned Night Heron showing gorgeous plumage Photo by David Goltra MD

On May 27th, 2018, Chris Smith lead the bird watch with 5 participants. Thirty-six species were located

on this overcast day. Thirty Wood Ducks were seen mostly in the large boat pond and many of those

counted were ducklings. Also seen in the same area were Anhinga, Least Bittern, Great Blue Heron,

and Red-winged Blackbird. Least Terns were observed feeding along the water’s edge in the large

pond as well. Common Moorhen were also located in the ponds and some small ones have been seen

with both parents in family groups. Tri-colored Heron are beginning an increase in numbers and are

being seen in the large field as well as in the Ravenswood vicinity. Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Little

Blue Heron, Green Heron, and White ibis continue to be included, while the Black-crowned Night

Heron are being seen nesting mostly in Ravenswood. Laughing Gull were fly-bys. Turkey Vultures were

flying high above in the thermals waiting for an indication of fresh kill. A Mississippi Kite also enjoyed

the ease of soaring in the thermals. Chimney Swifts darted around above the parking and picnic areas.

A Bald Eagle and a couple of Red-shouldered Hawk made themselves visible. Yellow-billed Cuckoo

were located by vocalization behind the cabins. Red-bellied and Pileated Woodpecker made the list

this morning as well. Scattered about the property were Northern Parula and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher.

A pair of Blue Grosbeak were observed- the female was busy carrying debris for nesting material. A

Prothonotary Warbler was caught in action in the Audubon Swamp near the cemetery. White-eyed

Vireo were scattered throughout the property, but some fledglings were seen scampering along the

branches of shrubbery near the cemetery in the Audubon Swamp. Also making the count were

Mourning Dove, Great-crested Flycatcher, American Crow, Fish Crow, Common Yellowthroat,

Northern Cardinal, Common Grackle, and Boat-tailed Grackle. Of the non-bird variety, a marsh rabbit,

cottonmouth or water moccasin snake, and a banded water snake were seen- at a distance, of course.