Claude’s River Survey: July 2, 2011

Location: 183 to Hornsby Bend

Observation date: 7/2/11

Number of species: 44

EPISODE 62: Whitewater Amigos

Today was the first time in a long time we have had enough water in the river to go over the top of the low water dam. There were a few of us who did. I did not put the splash skirt on my boat and got several gallons in with me. It was quite refreshing on such a hot day.

We even made some time to get in some birding.

Probably the biggest highlight was the Peregrine Falcon. The bird circled overhead for several turns and gave everyone very good looks. We also found a Ringed Kingfisher, Swainson’s Hawk, Common Nighthawk and a Pileated Woodpecker to round out our 44 species day.

I also think the Green Herons must have fledged a batch of youngsters because there were lots of juveniles on the river today.

It was very warm and sunny but our crew managed it well. Our crew today was Barbara Fleming, Ruth Jansa, Julie Bollman, Joan Bishop, Andy Balinsky, John Barr, and Stuart Bailey.

Thanks everyone for you help. It was a fun day.

(Click any image to view larger, or click here to view Andy Balinsky’s album from the trip.)
Photo showing a blue sky and river with trees on the edges.Photo of grass at the edge of a river.Photo of tall grass at the edge of a river.Photo of a sunflower with light shining through the petals.Photo of the head of a cluster of white flowers with pink stamens extending out all around.Photo of people fishing on the river in front of a square and circular culvert.Close up photo of a red cactus with white spines.Close up photo of a green cactus with white spines.

Number of species: 44 (plus 3 other taxa)

Wood Duck 4
Mallard (Domestic type) 1
Double-crested Cormorant 100
Great Blue Heron 3
Great Egret 5
Snowy Egret 3
Little Blue Heron 4
Green Heron 32
Black Vulture 18
Turkey Vulture 23
Red-shouldered Hawk 5
Swainson’s Hawk 1
Peregrine Falcon 1
Rock Pigeon 26
White-winged Dove 12
Mourning Dove 6
Yellow-billed Cuckoo 6
Common Nighthawk 1
Chimney Swift 2
Ruby-throated/Black-chinned Hummingbird 1
Ringed Kingfisher 1
Belted Kingfisher 5
Red-bellied Woodpecker 14

Downy Woodpecker 3
Pileated Woodpecker 2
Eastern Phoebe 2
Western Kingbird 12
Eastern Kingbird 2
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher 2
White-eyed Vireo 36
Red-eyed Vireo 3
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2
Barn Swallow 20
Cliff Swallow 34
Carolina Chickadee 28
Tufted/Black-crested Titmouse 4
Carolina Wren 18
Summer Tanager 2
Northern Cardinal 69
Indigo Bunting 5
Painted Bunting 32
Red-winged Blackbird 8
Common Grackle 12
Great-tailed Grackle 43
Brown-headed Cowbird 4
House Finch 1
House Sparrow 12