Woodland Park, a haven for bird enthusiasts, hosted a delightful Saturday morning of birding. With ten birders in attendance, the group identified an impressive array of 32 different species. The next survey is eagerly anticipated for April 20, 2024, at 7:30 am, promising another opportunity to engage with nature's symphony.
The cedar waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) is a member of the family Bombycillidae or waxwing family of passerine birds. It is a medium sized, mostly brown, gray, and yellow bird named for its wax-like wing tips. It is a native of North and Central America, breeding in open wooded areas in southern Canada and wintering in the southern half of the United States, Central America, and the far northwest of South America. Its diet includes cedar cones, fruit, and insects. The Cedar Waxwing is not endangered.
The recent bird list (see below, and click each for more info) from March 23, 2024, reflects the vibrant bird life in Woodland Park. Highlights include the graceful Snowy Egret, the majestic Great Blue Heron, and a remarkable gathering of 50 Cedar Waxwings. Each species observed has been thoughtfully linked to further information on the park's website, inviting visitors to explore and deepen their understanding of these feathered friends.
As spring migration continues, the next six weeks are prime for birdwatching. Enthusiasts are encouraged to venture outdoors and witness the seasonal spectacle.
However, the joy of birding is shadowed by a significant challenge: the perilous journey migratory birds face each year. As they traverse the Texas skies, the allure of artificial lights can lead to fatal collisions with buildings, a tragic fate for up to one billion birds annually in the US. The solution is simple yet impactful – turning off lights during peak migration hours can safeguard these winged travelers. Learn more here for some simple steps you can take to help
Happy birding to all, and may the skies remain a safe passage for our avian companions.
Bird List March 23. 2024
White-winged Dove 6
Mourning Dove 1
Neotropic Cormorant 1
Snowy Egret 1
Great Blue Heron 2
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 2
Great Crested Flycatcher 1
Blue-headed Vireo 1
Blue Jay 10
Carolina Chickadee 4
Barn Swallow 3
Red-vented Bulbul 4
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 4
House Wren 4
Carolina Wren 4
European Starling 3
Northern Mockingbird 1
American Robin 5
Cedar Waxwing 50
American Goldfinch 3
Great-tailed Grackle 1
Louisiana Waterthrush 1
Black-and-white Warbler 1 F
Orange-crowned Warbler 4
Common Yellowthroat 1 HO
Yellow-rumped Warbler 3
Northern Cardinal 6
Indigo Bunting 2