On March 4, 2017, a group of eighteen led by Nate Trimble had an excellent morning at Ashland’s North Mountain Park. Our group included birders of all ages from three years old and up! As always, North Mountain Park offered a wide range of local birds, some of which were already getting ready for Spring and singing.

The beginner birders in our group were treated to some easy views of Buffleheads, Ring-necked Ducks, Lesser Goldfinches, and several singing Northern Flickers among many other species. More seasoned birders were able to share their knowledge with enthusiastic young naturalists and beginners, making for a great educational opportunity.

Thirty species were identified in all. Trip highlights included four woodpecker species in one small grove of trees, good views of a calling Red-shouldered Hawk, and a White-throated Sparrow.

Bird List:

Canada Goose: 6

Mallard: 5

Ring-necked Duck: 4

Bufflehead: 3

Common Merganser: 2

Red-shouldered Hawk: 1

Killdeer: 2

Eurasian Collared-Dove: 2

Mourning Dove: 3

Anna’s Hummingbird: 5

Acorn Woodpecker: 4

Red-breasted Sapsucker: 2

Downy Woodpecker: 2

Northern Flicker: 6

Black Phoebe: 1

California Scrub-Jay: 8

American Crow: 3

Black-capped Chickadee: 7

Bushtit: 3

American Robin: 25

Cedar Waxwing: 6

Dark-eyed Junco: 12

Golden-crowned Sparrow: 1

White-throated Sparrow: 1

Song Sparrow: 4

Spotted Towhee: 3

Red-winged Blackbird: 30

Brewer’s Blackbird: 10

House Finch: 6

Lesser Goldfinch: 12