Hello All! It was a rewarding early morning at Hammonasset today and I thought you might appreciate few highlights. The walk began with a delightful encounter with Marsh Wrens on Willard's Island. Oh dear! So many, so tame, spreading their legs, hopping on grasses, and singing away. They kept me company all along the path leading to the intersection where the three roads meet. I think I’m completely in love with these adorable and lively birds! I didn’t get very far on Willard’s because the party was right there, at the intersection, and I stayed there for over an hour. The greeting committee included: - Rose-breasted Grosbeak - White-breasted Nuthatch - Black-capped Chickadee - American Crow - Fish Crow - Tufted Titmouse - Common Yellowthroat - Prairie Warbler - Black-and-white Warbler - Ruby-throated Hummingbird - Mockingbird - Yellow Warbler - Song Sparrow - Carolina Wren - Northern Cardinal - Gray Catbird - American Redstart - Red-winged Blackbird - Blue Jay - Brown-headed Cowbird - Downy Woodpecker - Hairy Woodpecker - Ruby-crowned Kinglet - Eastern Bluebird - American Goldfinch - American Robin - Northern Flicker - Bobolink (flyby) - Tree Swallow - House Wren Other parts of the park: - Canada Goose - Red-billed Gull (other gulls I don’t know yet) -Clapper Rail (from the bridge leading towards the viewing platform) -Great-blue Heron Please note that I’m listing each specie as one individual bird but of course there were multiple of several species. After developing the warbler’s neck, I was going to leave, but suddenly the sky became incredibly lively with the raptors! They were so active, soaring through the sky, diving, hovering, chasing and fighting with one another. At one point, I observed several birds up close, including: - 2 Peregrine Falcons - Cooper’s Hawk - American Kestrel - 2 Northern Harriers - Merlin - Ospreys I had to take a long break from birding and this wonderful community but I’m beyond excited to be back and at it. Enjoy this special time of the year! Best, Sylwia Rosinska Madison