May Migration Challenge - Day 26
May 26, 2025 | 6:26pm
Date: May 26, 2025
Location: Seabrook Town Forest
Start Time: 6:26pm
Duration: 48 min
Daily Highlights:
Total species observed: 28 species
Warbler species observed: 6
Notable species: Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Merlin’s Bird of the Day: Downy Woodpecker
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: 3 (Longest Streak: 4)
Photo of the Day:
Daily Recap:
Today, I decided to take on James Freitas’ recommended challenge: birding entirely by ear. I took one straight walk to the end of the trail and back, focusing solely on listening. No pishing, no scanning the treetops, just letting the birds come to me through sound.
It ended up being a really solid outing with 28 species, which I was happy with considering I’ve only been averaging around 40 lately now that most migrants have settled into their territories.
I was especially excited to try this challenge today because it was a beautiful afternoon. Perfect conditions for active and vocal birds. I decided to highlight Ruby-throated Hummingbird, one of the only birds I actually saw. It was perched on a dead tree, waiting just long enough for me to spot it before darting away. I also had a great, though brief, view of a very loud Pileated Woodpecker.
Back tomorrow evening to watch the skies for Nighthawks!




Good work birding entirely by ear, Ashton! 28 species is a great total. Those Pileated Woodpeckers can be quite loud.