Field Trip Report: Montrose Point and Dunes

Photo by Vinod Babu.

words by Vinod Babu

May 10, 2024

Seven of us birded Montrose on May 10 and enjoyed a selection of spring migrants as well as a gorgeous morning on the lake.

As I walked down the path to the preserve, I took in the slow, buzzy songs of White-crowned Sparrows dotting the lawns. We gathered at the entrance to the conservation area, taking in the dawn chorus that was in full swing, with Northern Parulas along with Nashville, Tennessee and Yellow Warblers singing away.

Northern Parula. McLaughrey Springs, April 19, 2023. Photo by Matt Zuro.

We made a slow circuit of the preserve, getting good looks at a pair of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks feeding together. In fact, courtship was the mood of the day—Cedar Waxwings, Warbling Vireos, Brown-headed Cowbirds and Baltimore Orioles all were observed moving in pairs, sometimes displaying and calling to each other. Pairs of Red-winged Blackbirds fussed at us in annoyance.

On the protected beach, Piping Plover Imani patrolled his territory on foot and in flight. Flocks of Blue Jays soared overhead, sometimes with dozens of birds flying together. 

Imani the Piping Plover. Photo by Kris Hansen.

Toward the end of the walk, we even got good looks at the typically shy Common Yellowthroats, an Orange-crowned Warbler, a Black-throated Green Warbler, and a Magnolia Warbler.

Overall, 62 species were observed, including 14 warbler species, although not all participants saw all the birds. I think the Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and the Piping Plover were the highlights of the walk!