Buttonwood Nature Center

11 hours ago

Construction isn't the only work happening at our Nature Center!👷This honey bee was truly enjoying the Jewelweed growing along our creek and p#BusyBeesyb#polinatorsators 🌼 ... See MoreSee Less

Buttonwood Nature Center

2 days ago

Buttonwood Nature Center friend and SOAR (Studying Ornithology Around the Region) bird walker, Jean McBride submitted the following narrative from the group’s outing on Saturday, September 7 to Michaux State Forest’s Old Forge Picnic Area.

Twice-monthly walks, usually led by Larry and Sharon Williams, run on the first and third Saturdays throughout the winter, spring, summer and fall. They run from 8 a.m. to around 10 a.m.

SOAR bird walk locations vary throughout the season. Check our website calendar for locations on specific dates. (www.buttonwoodnaturecenter.org) and tab down under Programs or Events)

Jean photographed the group but bird images were difficult due to overcast conditions. This American Redstart photo was not taken during the walk but is a good example of the lovely birds spotted there.

The next SOAR walk is Saturday, September 21, at Old Forge Picnic area, directly across from Camp Penn. All are welcome!

Jean’s Report:

Missing no opportunity, leaders Larry and Sharon Williams compiled a list of eight birds in the parking area before setting off on our SOAR walk at Old Forge Picnic Area on Saturday September 7, 2024. They were joined by Sandy, Larry & Jean F., John & Sue, Becky & Lee, MJ & Ed and I.

The rain held off for the first hour and a half of our trek among tall trees and overcast skies. Small birds frolicked among the highest branches of the trees challenging even the most sharp-eyed among us. Lee did spot an American Redstart overhead.

We heard the Pileated Woodpecker in the parking area and a few more times along our way. The trail was narrow at first until we turned onto the wide path of the water line with a stream to our right. Lee saw a thrush by the stream, but it secreted away before we could see what kind. To our left we heard two Hooded Warblers who also hid from us. Sharon heard the call of a Common Raven.

Becky spotted a Black-throated Green stream-side. Lee saw a Chimney Swift disappear into the tree tops. A cluster of robins bathed in the stream. Along the bank grew clumps of Pincushion Moss that Sandy found slightly ticklish to the touch. A lone Cardinal plant rose from the middle of a large stone in the water. When our footsteps got too close, one-and-a-half-inch brown frogs in the grass hopped straight for the stream.

The rain started slowly at first, but soon sent us scurrying for the parking lot. Larry made sure that we traversed the wet stone-rich path safely. There was no lingering among the raindrops as we reached our cars. We’ll be back at Old Forge Picnic Area on September 21, 2024 at 8:00 a.m.

—Jean
Larry’s list:
American Goldfinch
American Redstart
American Robin
Black-throated Green Warbler
Blue Jay
Carolina Wren
Carolina/BC Chickadee
Chimney Swift
Common Raven
Downy Woodpecker
House Wren
Mourning Dove
Northern Cardinal
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
White-throated Nuthatch ... See MoreSee Less