Thu, Mar 24 2016 - Birdwatching Walk at Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve with Audubon Society Friends (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Charlie Cottingham Participants: Charlie Cottingham, Priscilla

We had a fine time this morning - enjoyed the gorgeous blue-sky spring weather and dozens of species of wild birds with our 3 friendly Audubon hosts and about 10 other birders. Just 5 minutes into the walk a red-shouldered hawk appeared directly beside us at the pond-side observation deck and plunged into the water for prey.  Three merganser ducks were also there swimming on the pond, wood ducks were flying overhead, and the air was filled with bird songs. As we continued around the park's boardwalks and perimeter trail we observed lots of brilliant cardinals and woodpeckers - also titmice, phoebes, wrens and warblers.  It's remarkable during this final week of March how quickly the park's deciduous trees are greening up, from only 5% shade a week ago to almost 50% today - and perhaps 80% shade a week from now.