Best Birds of Guilford County - 2014

George Wheaton's annual review of the best bird sightings of 2014 can now be found on our website. Check under the FORUM and PBC Activities (or click here)  Let us know if agree with George and offer your own selections under Comments.

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March-The Veep's Peep

PictureRed-shouldered Hawk, Dennis Burnett
 
In February, semi-frozen lakes offered good sightings including the Common Goldeneye, Common Merganser, Red-breasted Merganser, White-winger scoter, Red-necked Grebe, and Long-tailed Duck. Other notable sightings included Horned Larks and Pine Siskins. As the snowy weather forced many of us to stay inside, visitors to back-yard feeders proved to be quite entertaining and surprising in some cases, as demonstrated by a Red-tailed Hawk and Red-shouldered Hawk!

What's on tap for March?

Saturday, March 7th Field Trip: NC A&T University Farm, time TBD

This is a joint activity with the T. Gilbert Pearson Audubon Society and one of my favorite field trips. It is an easy hike around the farm pond and the edges of wet woodland and then by car across McConnell Road to more ponds, fields and the hog farm. This is our best site for Wilson’s Snipe and usually the American Pipit. This trip is first come, first served, as the number of vehicles will be restricted. Be sure to call Emily Tyler in advance to confirm your attendance and ensure there is room for your vehicle.

We will meet at the farm entrance located at 3136 McConnell Road, and caravan onto the farm property. Car-pooling is essential. This will be a 3-4 hour field trip. Dress warmly in layers and be sure to wear water-resistant shoes.

Thursday, March 19th Program:
The African Black-footed “Jackass” Penguin
A penguin with a donkey-like call! A representative from the Greensboro Science Center will present a program on these animated and personable birds. We'll learn about their characteristics and behavior, as well as the preservation efforts being made to defend this endangered species within its native habitat.

As you're dreaming of winter's end and the joys of spring birding, start making a plan and a list of native plants to add to your garden. Native plants support birds and their chicks year round, as well as key pollinators. Check out the 2015 Bird Friendly Plants of the Year and get that list started!

Ann Steighner
PBC Vice President
“North Carolina is a great place for birding. And the Piedmont Bird Club is a wonderful group of folks to bird with!”
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Last updated December 13, 2014