May birding hike on Lime Kiln Road

  Fourteen birders met at the new Spring Lake natural area parking lot at 685 Lime Kiln Road for a short drive to the River Foundation’s property. The May 2 hike was very productive as we sighted 35 different bird species, many not seen on previous hikes.

Group photo by Lance Jones

  Led by Stephen Ramirez and assisted by Colton Robbins, who provided the list and several of the photos, the hike lasted a little over one-and-a-half hours. Dew covered much of the grasses and the early morning sun provided dramatic lighting. Highlights of the birding included a juvenile Red-tailed hawk perched on a high post in the middle of the field. Two Black-bellied Whistling Ducks flying together directly overhead our group. And most photographed, Dickcissel singing away atop a mesquite tree. They were almost as abundant as the doves.
  The monthly hikes are held on the first Saturday of each month and last less than two hours. Contact [email protected] to be notified of the next birding adventure.  –LJ

35 bird species

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Black-bellied Whistling-Duck  2
Northern Bobwhite  3     2 seen, 1 heard
Great Blue Heron  3     Flyover

Black-bellied Whistling Ducks by Colton Robbins

Black Vulture  3
Turkey Vulture  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Killdeer  1     Flyover
White-winged Dove  16
Mourning Dove  7
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  3
Chimney Swift  2
Black-chinned Hummingbird  4
Crested Caracara  1
Ash-throated Flycatcher  4
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher  1
American Crow  1
Barn Swallow  1
Carolina Chickadee 
Black-crested Titmouse  4
Verdin  2
Canyon Wren  1
Bewick’s Wren  3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2
Northern Mockingbird  4
European Starling  3
White-crowned Sparrow  1
Summer Tanager  1
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak 
Painted Bunting  5