Armed with binoculars and embraced by some rare nice weather, members of the local Audubon Society chapter met with Alice at Menokin on April 3rd.

The purpose of the visit was to orient themselves with the trails and get a feel for the number and types of species available here for birding enthusiasts.

Menokin is situated in the Atlantic Flyway, which is a migratory route for many species. From the forests of New England, where birds like the Wood Thrush nest and breed, to the beaches and marshlands that stretch down the coast and provide habitat for Piping Plovers and Saltmarsh Sparrows, Audubon is employing tactics as diverse as this flyway’s ecosystems to protect the millions of birds that depend on this flyway. All migratory birds depend on healthy nesting grounds, healthy migratory stopover sites, and healthy wintering grounds. Audubon’s work with forest owners in the eastern United States is helping to ensure that dozens of birds have the habitat that they need to raise their young successfully. Their work to protect urban parks and coastal migrant traps and to reduce building collisions along the heavily urbanized Atlantic seaboard is helping maintain safer migratory pathways, and their growing partnerships in the Caribbean and Central America will help us protect the winter homes of these birds too.

Fifteen species were identified during the one-hour Menokin bird walk. Here is the list. Each picture links to complete species information and various recorded bird calls. Enjoy!