South Wake Conservationists

Another amazing bird walk at the NC Museum of Art Park on Saturday morning, Aug. 28, led by Park Ranger and renowned bird photographer Chantal Taunton. Nine SWC members and guests joined an early-morning stroll through the beautiful grounds of America’s largest art park to see eighteen different species of birds. The highlight was hearing a pair of great horned owls hooting away with vigor, possibly displaying courtship and territorial behavior. We also saw a beautiful green heron, which swooped in gracefully and then sat serenely on a pipe to watch over the pond.

Here is a full accounting of all birds observed (many thanks to Jeremy for recording these!):

• Ruby Throated Hummingbird X2
• Green Heron
• Great Horned Owl X2 (Displaying “Pair of Hoots”), possible display of courtship as owls begin to strengthen their bond and claim territory for mating in the fall.
• Red-Bellied Woodpecker
• Eastern Phoebe
• Blue Jay
• Red-Headed Nuthatch
• European Starling X4
• Gray Catbird X2
• Easter Bluebird X4
• House Finch
• American Goldfinch X4
• Chipping Sparrow
• Great-Crested Flycatcher
• Mourning Dove X2
• American Crow/Fish Crow (Flyover)
• Carolina Wren
• Northern Cardinal X2