This blog post was submitted by Virginia Palumbo

Wednesday was opening day at Beebe Springs Natural Area, and Virginia Palumbo and Meredith Spencer had a beautiful blue day for the first Beebe Springs survey for this year. Although the numbers of individual birds were not high, we spotted 31 species. Highlights of the day included 7 Trumpeter Swans swimming close by in one of the inlets, and a Virginia Rail that flushed from the side of the trail. We were happy to have both a great view of a Bewick’s Wren singing, and heard a Canyon Wren’s beautiful descending song. . Robins, Flickers, and Black-capped Chickadees were abundant, and the usual Great Blue Herons and Belted Kingfishers made an appearance. A Ruby-Crowned Kinglet, Downy Woodpecker, Red-tailed Hawk, and Violet-green Swallows rounded out the day’s excitement.

The Beebe Springs surveys will continue on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month. The start time varies according to when the sun comes over the Plateau, so please contact Virginia for start times and to register, at 509-682-5969 or vwpalumbo@gmail.com. We’d love to see you at Beebe!