White-crowned Sparrow seen recently at the Ranch
The Robson Ranch birders are beginning to enjoy the fall migration of northern birds that are passing through our area on their way south. Some of these birds have started south from Alaska and far north Canada. Many of these traveling birds have destinations in South America. In late August the Savannah Sparrows, White-crowned Sparrows and Vesper Sparrows have been seen in the grasslands on top of the hill at the end of Michelle Way. Also being seen in the same area are Swainson’s Hawks, Red-tailed Hawks, Northern Harriers and many American Kestrels. Most of the birds can be seen by driving up and over the hill.
We are now making a survey of the birds coming into feeding stations here on the Ranch at members’ homes. So far we have counted a variety of sparrows, Cardinals and doves. Also of interest is the last sighting of hummingbirds at feeders. At this date only a very few Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are still visiting feeders or late blooming plants. Anyone feeding birds that would like to contribute to the survey can email what they are seeing to John Kirk at [email protected].
The birders have explored a couple of new locations during October. We had a great day of birding at Isle du Bois on the south shore of Ray Roberts Lake and saw 35 species. The highlights of that trip were over 50 White Ibis, an Osprey and two Orange-crowned Warblers. A trip to Willow Grove Park on the south side of Lake Lewisville gave us sightings of 52 different birds. Of these the first of season (FOS) birds were Golden-crown Kinglet, Brown Creeper and several thrushes.
Our group has been going out one to two times a week to local birding spots. If you are interested in joining us, send an email to John and he will put you on our list of birders.