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Home > Blogs > Birds and Butterflies > Archives > 2009 > April > 03 > Entry
Birding Adventures at Carriage Hill MetroPark
After the monotony of winter, spring is an exhilarating time, especially for those attuned to the rhythms of nature. At this time, the air comes alive with bird song and we get to hear again the melodious songs of our summer residents so long gone. Even the songs of our permanent residents are stronger and clearer on a beautiful spring morning.
We experienced such a morning this past week at the Tuesday Morning Adult Nature Walk at Carriage Hill MetroPark. Although it was a little chilly as we began, Cedar Lake was already busy with activity. Male red-wing blackbirds boldly proclaimed their territories, and a few spring peepers were peeping. A phoebe remained hidden from view, but its song was unmistakable. Above the open water tree swallows, another returned summer resident, dipped and dove swimming through the air showing their iridescent backs and creamy-white bellies. As we approached the water, a green heron took off and flapped past the tree line.
In the prairie a different avian community awaited our discovery. As we walked we could hear the guttural crow of ring-necked pheasants, unseen in the grasses and the ‘ping-pong ball’ songs of the returned field sparrows. A pair of bluebirds perched on a lone tree. Often thought to be a spring arrival, bluebirds can be found in this region year round, but will often flock together in the colder months.
Continuing on, we came across a group of wood ducks on one of the smaller ponds, the males resplendent in breeding plumage. However, it was not until we were finishing our hike that the real spectacle occurred. Rounding the corner back to Cedar Lake, we came across a flock of cedar waxwings feeding on berries. The birds were in such close range, that through binoculars we could clearly see the waxy red tips of their wings as they bent to feed, as well the paint-dipped yellow tail.
It was a wonderful morning of many sights and sounds, rounded out by a close view of a lone American coot on the water. Morning walks occur every Tuesday and are free and open to the public. Check metroparks.org for details.
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