‘Look at everything’: Trull leads birders on a voyage of discovery
An Eastern bluebird at the Robert F. Smith Cold Brook Preserve. Photo by Gerry Beetham
With fresh snow on the ground, participants at Harwich Conservation Trust’s (HCT) Birding Field Class had the chance to double dip. There were plenty of birds to observe, but a different show was taking place at ground level. Animal tracks were everywhere!
Of course, our knowledgeable guide Peter Trull took full advantage. Trull, a noted field naturalist and author, is equally adept at identifying birds on the wing and tracks on the ground. As we made our way around the Robert F. Smith Cold Brook Preserve, Trull provided insight into our feathered and non-feathered friends.
Stars of the day included a good-sized group of gadwalls, bobbing on a pond. We also spied Eastern bluebirds, always a colorful treat, a swamp sparrow and many other species. What always stands out on a Trull-guided walk is how everyone works together to spot and identify birds, and the sense of camaraderie and delight at discovering something new.
Scanning for birds at a Harwich Conservation Trust (HCT) Birding Field Class, led by Peter Trull. Gerry Beetham photo
Fun for beginners
And if you’re a beginning birder? No problem! These great field classes are the perfect way to dip your toe into the fascinating avian world. And Trull’s advice to beginners is refreshing and simple. “Just look at everything,” he said. “Bring binoculars, look at everything, and don’t be afraid to say what you think it is.”
With the talented Trull on hand and several bird-savvy participants, an exhilarating and fast-paced group-think can take place as birds are spotted and identified. Adding to the thrill is the fact that you never know what species might be out there on any given day — a rarity might be just around the corner!
Otter tracks in the snow at the Robert F. Smith Cold Brook Preserve. Photo by Gerry Beetham
In the tracking department, the biggest prize of the day was finding large furrows in the snow, left by otters as they slid along in the white stuff. Trull pointed out the foot marks within the furrows and the artful pattern left by the otter tails. You could imagine the playful mammals zooming along and having a grand old time.
As we headed back to the parking lot, the skies cleared and the sun warmed our backs. It all seemed like a natural triumph: learning about birds and animal tracks, and fully enjoying the outdoors on one of those rare days when Cape Cod is covered in snow.
An additional HCT Birding Field Class with Peter Trull is scheduled for Tuesday, December 30th. For more information and to register, click here.
Bird List:
Canada Goose 9
Mute Swan 2
Northern Shoveler 4
Gadwall 31
Mallard 6
Green-winged Teal 1
Mourning Dove 1
Ring-billed Gull 1
American Herring Gull 1
Northern Harrier 1
hawk sp. 1
Downy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 2
Blue Jay 4
American Crow 8
Black-capped Chickadee 2
Tufted Titmouse 1
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
European Starling 1
Eastern Bluebird 8
House Finch 2
American Goldfinch 16
American Tree Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 6
Swamp Sparrow 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 4
Northern Cardinal 3
Photo gallery by Gerry Beetham
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