Kashong CA 3/28/26

Seven EBS members met at the Kashong Conservation Area parking lot.  Just before beginning our birdwatching walk we met Mitch Wilber, the chairman of the Kashong Conservation Area Committee who was there updating the information board. He asked if he could take our picture next to the new sign for their upcoming newsletter.  We obliged :) 

On March 25, 2025 I had encountered 4 Fox Sparrows directly west of the parking lot in the shrub area where the 'blue trail' begins, and 1 Fox Sparrow on March 28, 2024 in this same area, so I suggested to the group to lets start there and to approach quietly so we could listen for their scratching in the leaves and to listen for any feeding calls. Within a minute or two, one of our members spotted a Fox Sparrow up on a branch and the bird began singing!  What a treat! And thanks to Steve Benedict for bringing along his scope, as everyone was able to get a great look at this very cooperative Fox Sparrow.  For several members this is a 'life bird'!! So exciting to note that ~~  Working our way back slowly eastward we did encounter a couple more 'singing' Fox Sparrows.  We were happy birders !

Robins were in high numbers, second highest were the Bluebirds. We had wonderful views of the latter as the bluebirds were very active.  I was listening closely for Brown Creepers and occasionally I thought 'yes', there's one - but I couldn't actually see this exceptionally well camouflaged bird.

We slowly made our way onto the new trail system that winds down to several pools, and then meanders back over to the trail to the White Oak Tree and I purposefully capitalize that because this tree is a mammoth!  A beautiful tree to behold, to touch, to ponder its past - and several members found a Geocache container at its base and signed the book inside. 

We made our way back toward the parking area, and also back to the 'Fox Sparrow site' and listened, yet the birds in general by then had quieted down.  

Several members were ready for breakfast so we parted at 10:30.  

A lovely chilly morning for birding and thank you to those who joined the walk.  Thank you Lyn for keeping the list. Apologies that this report is a bit late.

23 Species:

2 Mourning Dove

2 Turkey Vulture

4 Red-bellied Woodpecker

2 Downy Woodpecker

1 Hairy Woodpecker

1 Pileated Woodpecker

1 Northern Flicker

1 Eastern Phoebe

2 Blue Jay

2 American Crow

1 Tufted Titmouse

1 Golden-crowned Kinglet

3 Carolina Wren

8 Eastern Bluebird

9 American Robin

1 House Finch

1 American Goldfinch

3 Fox Sparrow

1 Dark-eyed Junco

2 White-throated Sparrow

3 Song Sparrow

4 Red-winged Blackbird

4 Northern Cardinal