Notes for Sunday's Charles River Peninsula Bird Walk

The cypress spurge is blooming, Charles River Peninsula, Needham, MA

As widely publicized, I am leading a bird walk Sunday morning at the Charles River Peninsula. The walk officially starts at 8 (though I'll be out there much earlier). It is sponsored by the Needham Friends of Woods and Water (or "Ferns and Fins").

The most exciting birds have yet to arrive. I have my fingers crossed for tomorrow. This is not unrealistic. In recent years, the yellow warblers, catbirds, Baltimore orioles, rose-breasted grosbeaks and yellow-throated vireos have arrived at the very end of April. And they have tended to show up all at once.

Nevertheless, there is still plenty to see and hear. There is a lone orchard oriole male that is making its presence known and I'm beginning to see savannah sparrows in the grass. (Folks with dogs--please keep them on the trails until breeding season is finished in July). And the nesting box activity is pretty hot right now. (Unfortunately, the only eggs yet are house sparrow eggs).

The Charles River Peninsula has some interesting historical significance. Last year I led a walk for the Trustees of Reservations and prepared some historical material. I am not an expert on that aspect of things--there may be a more historically-informed tour in the future.

I look forward to seeing folks tomorrow. It is likely to be cold and a bit windy so please dress accordingly. I highly recommend binoculars (though we are likely to be doing more hearing than seeing with the leaves out as they are) and a field guide if you have one.

[UPDATE. A beautiful morning. Thanks to all that were able to come for making it an enjoyable outing. The "big" birds didn't show up, but that kept things gratifyingly simple. ]