Accessible Birding Field Trip to Silver Lake
July 8, 2008

The nature field trip began with the first of many red-eyed vireos calling from local tree tops. This species is the most common woodland bird in eastern North America. A mourning dove, American robin and American crow were found in the front yard of one house and a large number of turkey vultures were discovered roosting on a white fence at another house. Several European starlings were noted scampering over the lawn at Fish Park.

A mother mallard and one duckling swam toward the field trip group as they walked to the shore. At once the three Canada geese also moved toward the naturalists. A cedar waxwing, also known as a "berry bird", fed on red fruit on a bush along the lake edge. Red-winged blackbirds called from the reeds and several tiny chipping sparrows flew about on the playing field. Many tree swallows were spotted high in the sky hawking for insects. A friendly black-capped chickadee sailed over the heads of the birders and a tufted titmouse gave its loud "Peter!" "Peter!" "Peter!" call as it moved through the trees. A kettle of at least 10 turkey vultures was spotted soaring over the town in an ominous manner. Next a white-breasted nuthatch beeped and a gray catbird meowed for the group. The sole mammal was a striped chipmunk that ate a mushroom and allowed the photographers to get several pictures. Several kinds of dragonflies and a tiger swallowtail butterfly were noted. Many interesting plants were identified and examined. The St John's wort was just coming into bloom as was the milkweed. In the shallow waters of the pond water lilies and purple pickerelweed were profuse. Pink hardhack, white yarrow and yellow goldenrod bloomed along the edge of the road. Four kinds of clovers were discovered: red, white, rabbit’s foot and black medic. Tall Queen Ann's lace, the ancestor of carrots grew profusely as did the curly dock and vetch. The attractive butter and eggs, purple vetch, and yellow great mullen ornamented the field areas. Ground nut and dogbane added more floral species.

The leader of the trip, Joe Superchi, plans to have another trip in August. The trips are sponsored by the Athol Bird and Nature Club and are open to anyone interested in nature.