Recap: Red River Birding Walk–Aug. 12, 2021
What a treat to discover migratory and resident bird species of the shore, salt marsh, and Nantucket Sound with author and naturalist Peter Trull at Red River Beach in South Harwich. Cape Cod is a migratory stopover for shorebirds like sandpipers, terns, plovers, and other species flying from the Arctic tundra to their southern wintering grounds. Year-round species also depend on our seaside habitats to find food and shelter.
Here are the 25 species that guests saw today. Many thanks to Peter for sharing his knowledge and inspiring enthusiasm as well as photographer Gerry Beetham for capturing the wonder and diversity of our avian neighbors. For upcoming walks, be sure to check out our schedule under Walks & Events.
Semipalmated Plover 1
Ruddy Turnstone 3
Sanderling 6
Least Sandpiper 1
Semipalmated Sandpiper 2
Willet (Eastern) 3
Laughing Gull 14
Herring Gull (American) 4
Great Black-backed Gull 2
Least Tern 6
Common Tern 110
Double-crested Cormorant 5
Great Blue Heron 1
Snowy Egret 9
Glossy Ibis 16 (flock of 13, a few singles throughout the walk)
Osprey 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 (two small accipiters, blue jay sized, soaring, migrating)
Cooper’s Hawk 2
Northern Flicker 1
American Crow 6
Tree Swallow 2
Barn Swallow 1
House Sparrow 10
House Finch 8
Song Sparrow 2
