Spring Migrant Wildlife Walk

Intro by Tom

 The Yale West Campus Wildlife Walks are more of an event than just a walk.  On April 25th (Friday) a gathering of 35 excited nature enthusiasts met at the WC Conference Center thanks to the organizers, Yale Peabody Museum and Yale West Campus Administration.  With a quick introduction from Tom Parlapiano (YPM) and lesson on how to use binoculars for the newbies, we set off across campus.  Myself (Lynn), Mark Aronson (YCBA), Jim Sirch (YPM-retired), and Cody Limber (EEB) headed out to find what migrant birds species might be using campus as a refresh stop.  Entering into the nature trails the group quickly thinned out into a long line of folks looking in all directions for any sightings.  

Bird Watchers

Some West Campus residents let us know they were around and are just as important as the migrants, Northern Cardinal, Brown-headed Cowbird, Carolina Wren, and American Crow making a showing.  Once we navigated under West Campus Drive along the stream, things began to pick up a little.  A pair of Mallards were in the river, a Song Sparrow sang from a flowering cherry tree, and distant Red-winged Blackbirds called us toward the farm.  

Another birdy stop along the way, Cody gently persuaded a Yellow Warbler out into the open to show the walk participants their namesake colorful feathers.  A Fish Crow called out it's telltale laugh "ha-ha" as it flew overhead checking out the humans below.  Rounding the corner out toward the barn, a pair of Yellow Warblers chased each other about putting on a show.  A cooperative American Robin sat out in an opening in a tree allowing birders a chance to easily perfect their binocular skills.  Brown-headed Cowbirds and Common Grackles, also gave nice views and showed off.

Yellow Warbler -Cody Limber

Although the walk finished at the Farm, spectators continued to enjoy birding, while snacking, with special sparrow visitors (Swamp Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow and Swamp Sparrow).  A Red-shouldered Hawk flew overheard and a distant Warbling Vireo sang to let us know they were back on campus.  An amazing group, who altogether found 35 species on the walk and another 7 while walking back to work.

Field Sparrow -Cody Limber

Shout out to Yale West Campus Administration for sponsoring.  Our bellies appreciate your support.  :-)

Full Bird List from West Campus on 4/25/2025: 

1. 

   Trout Lily

   Savannah Sparrow*
2. Chipping Sparrow
3. Field Sparrow
4. Swamp Sparrow
5. Song Sparrow
6. White-throated Sparrow
7. Eastern Towhee
8. Yellow Warbler
9. Black-throated Green Warbler*
10. Warbling Vireo*
11. Common Grackle
12. Red-winged Blackbird
13. Brown-headed Cowbird
14. Baltimore Oriole
15. Wild Turkey
16. Blue Jay
17. American Robin
18. Gray Catbird
19. Northern Mockingbird
20. Northern Cardinal
21. American Crow
22. Fish Crow
23. Common Raven
24. Mourning Dove
25. Rock Pigeon*
26. House Sparrow
27. European Starling
28. Osprey
29. Turkey Vulture
30. Red-shouldered Hawk
31. American Goldfinch
32. Mallard
33. Carolina Wren
34. Herring Gull
35. Canada Goose
36. Tufted Titmouse
37. Downy Woodpecker
38. Red-bellied Woodpecker
39. Northern Flicker*
40. Double-crested Cormorant
41. Northern Rough-winged Swallow*
42. Barn Swallow*

*species seen after event