Raymond Brook Preserve Trip Report

[Gabrielle Bugden]

Raymond Brook Preserve, Hebron. October 4, 2025- 7:30 am

After a minor hiccup involving an incorrect street address, twenty intrepid birders gathered on a spectacular fall morning, their vehicles nearly filling the tiny parking lot of Raymond Brook Preserve. What a turnout, from both participants, and Mother Nature! 

Though certainly not disappointing, birding throughout much of the Preserve was a bit slow. Highlights included Eastern Towhee, Black- Throated Green Warbler, three Purple Finch, and a very cooperative Monarch butterfly. We were also treated to a plethora of Cedar Waxwing, Gray Catbird, Blue Jay, and White-Throated Sparrow. Some glimpsed a Yellow- Rumped Warbler. Notable misses for the location were all other warblers, Eastern Bluebird, and Turkey Vulture. 

As we walked, Amateur Historian Will provided lessons on past and current land use issues of Raymond Brook and adjacent properties. We admired the two Pollinator Pathway gardens, and many of us swapped native planting and conservation tips.

Almost half the group then reconvened for breakfast around the corner at The Flour Girl Cafe, where we continued our conversations, this time with coffee. 

Link to full eBird list: https://ebird.org/checklist/S277174191

Respectfully submitted, 

Gabrielle and Will Bugden 

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