Belleplain Wildlife - Sunday, April 14th, 2013

Signs of spring surrounded us on our first Belleplain Wildlife walk of the year. This week, we hiked Goose Kill trail and Tom Field Road. With individual birds singing, it was easier to identify the differences between Pine Warbler and Chipping Sparrow trilling. Other birds heard included Yellow-throated Warbler, Eastern Towhee, Brown Thrasher, and Black-and-white Warbler. A singing White-eyed Vireo posed for good looks, Broad-winged Hawks flew overhead, and we enjoyed watching a pair of Blue-gray Gnatcatchers building a nest. Early butterflies included Henry's Elfin, Blueberry Azure, and Mourning Cloak. We also had good looks at a sunning Fence Lizard and stunning, emerald-green Six-spotted Tiger Beetles. Botanical highlights included studying the fruits of Inkberry and Checkerberry. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Chris Marks, Catherine Busch, and Lisa Ryan.