The Red-tailed Hawk shown here “greeted” us as we approached the gate. Actually, it was in position to watch for prey moving in the grasslands below.


Next, we visited the newish board walk and elevated platform that overlooks a many acre wetland. Sightings there included Pied-billed Grebes, a Little Blue Heron that sported some breeding plumage, and a pair of Great Egrets that were moving around quite a bit together in the distance. They might have been competing males, or they may have been male and female in courtship mode. From there, at the suggestion of Chris Green, the manager of the property, we drove a bit and then walked to a stand of pines where Brown-headed Nuthatches were known to be. Given that it was late morning, a recording was played in an effort to activate one. None appeared, but two experienced birders reported that they heard a reply.
It was a picture perfect morning to be out in nature with others who share a common interest. 40 species were tallied for the morning.