May Migration Challenge - Day 24
May 24, 2025 | 7:01am
Date: May 24, 2025
Location: Seabrook Town Forest
Start Time: 7:01am
Duration: 4 hr, 3 min
Daily Highlights:
Total species observed: 68 species (Group), 66 species (Myself)
Warbler species observed: 16
Notable species: Black-billed Cuckoo, Alder Flycatcher
Merlin’s Bird of the Day: Northern Waterthrush
Goal Progress:
Seabrook Town Forest Life List: 143 / 140 COMPLETE
Seabrook Town Forest Species Month Total: 108/80+ COMPLETE
Warbler Species Total: 24/20+ COMPLETE
Single Checklist Record: 69/60+ (May 11th) COMPLETE
Vagrant Species Found?: No
Merlin Bird of the Day Streak: 1 (Longest Streak: 4)
Photo of the Day:
Daily Recap:
What an amazing walk with a truly wonderful group of people this morning at the Town Forest.
A light sprinkle greeted us as we gathered, but it gradually cleared, giving way to sunshine as the morning went on. Right from the start, bird song filled the air. We took a quick detour off-trail to follow the sound, hoping to catch a glimpse of whatever was singing.
While scanning the treetops, I spotted a bird with an unfamiliarly long tail deeper in the woods. I called the group’s attention to it and mentioned it could be a cuckoo. As more people got eyes on it and snapped some photos, we confirmed the ID: Black-billed Cuckoo! A lifer for me.
After spending time with the cuckoo, we moved on to scan the pond. Plenty of Barn and Tree Swallows darted over the water, with a few Chimney Swifts mixed in. The usual suspects were present on the water.
As we continued into the powerline cut, we got excellent looks at Yellow, Blue-winged, and Chestnut-sided Warblers. Further along, we followed another burst of singing into the woods. While eyes were focused on a Magnolia Warbler, an Alder Flycatcher began calling nearby. We pivoted our focus to try to get a look, but in the midst of searching, someone in the group spotted a porcupine resting in a tree! I’ve never seen one before, so even though we didn’t lay eyes on the Alder Flycatcher, hearing it and spotting the porcupine made for another lifer moment.
The walk back was quieter, but by then we had already enjoyed a high-activity morning. In total, 68 species were seen among the group. I missed just two—Brown Thrasher and Warbling Vireo—so I personally finished the day with 66 species.
With 16 warbler species today, including Tennessee, Prairie, and Blackpoll, it’s safe to say the day was a huge success. It’s always a pleasure to share the joy of birding with others, and days like this remind me how special it really is.
I heard our farm’s first of the year black billed cuckoo today, too. While no longer a “lifer”, I am still excited when I hear or see them. Sounds like you had a great day!