A group of 9 people with binoculars, some wearing hats and sunglasses, pose in front of a field of wild grasses. Behind them is a hazy blue-gray sky. — Photo by Jake Vinsel.

words by Jake Vinsel

July 16, 2023

On Sunday, July 16, co-leaders Christina Harber and I led eight birders on a bird walk on the northernmost end of Orland Grassland. The morning started on the hazy side, with wildfire smoke originating in British Columbia filling the skies and making long-distance visibility a bit difficult. Luckily, overall air quality improved quickly and was not a deterrent in the group completing a fun and rewarding walk.

An Eastern Kingbird, a large flycatcher with a dark gray body, white belly, and white tail tip, perches on a leafy branch. — Eastern Kingbird. Photo by Shelley Weinberg.

The birding started strong as soon as the team met in the parking lot, with singing Eastern Meadowlarks, Indigo Buntings, and American Goldfinches being heard as the group did introductions. We also observed a Ruby-throated Hummingbird fly by, Eastern Kingbirds posted-up on nearby signage, as well as Chimney Swifts, Tree Swallows, and Barn Swallows flying over as we disembarked on our walk.

Our targets included grassland and shrubland breeding birds. We were not disappointed as we began our route to the east, hearing numerous Dickcissels, Henslow’s Sparrows, and Eastern Meadowlarks. As we approached our first grove of trees, we observed more Indigo Buntings and heard Warbling Vireos, Common Yellowthroats, and a number of Yellow-breasted Chats calling from both sides of the paved trail.

An Orchard Oriole, a yellow oriole, perches on a branch full of red, pink, and black berries. — Orchard Oriole. Photo by Julie Rand.

The group worked south on a mowed grass trail and got great views of Eastern Meadowlarks and especially Orchard Orioles, which were feasting on blackberry brambles along the path. As the group worked back to the north, the group got views of a cooperative Field Sparrow and a perched Brown Thrasher.

The group slowly worked to the west before doubling back towards the parking area. On our return to the east, we again heard Yellow-breasted Chats singing from the adjacent shrubs, and then heard a very lively Bell’s Vireo.

A Bell's Vireo, a olive-gray songbird with a thick bill, perches on a branch behind green leaves. — Bell’s Vireo. Photo by Julie Rand.

Upon regrouping in the parking lot, we said goodbye to a few members of our party with a number of us deciding to give one last effort (despite the numerous ticks we found) to get views of Dickcissel and finally observe a Bobolink. We were rewarded with point blank views of Henslow’s Sparrows, which to that point had been heard only. As we turned back, Christina spotted a number of Bobolink.

By the end of the morning the group had observed 46 species. Other highlights included four species of woodpecker, two Red-tailed Hawks, and a Baltimore Oriole. All-in-all, it was a great morning spent in good company.

Field Trip Report: Orland Grassland