Jack Levin yesterday

[jle...@gmail.com]

After my "have to" duties, I went to Jack Levin because the Virginia Rail has been sighted and heard. I parked on the 25 side and workers were tilling the soil.  I spoke with last year and the goal was planted native plant in the hopes lessen the invasion plants and more food for the birds and other creatures. I walked to the South Tower and climbed the steps.  Wasn't much action there, one GREAT EGRET and CAGOS.  The winds were coming from the west and it was cold.  The HOUSE WRENS are there and YELLOW WARBLERS.  I put down five birds but it wouldn't be surprised if there were more.  eBird "said" too many birds but I know they are "lousy" with Yellows.  I only had five CHICKADEES and 4 TITMOUSE and only one CAROLINA WREN.  Winter was hard on the small birds.  TOWHEES were well represented.  The YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER are singing as well chipping, I had one GNATCATCHER, a male.  My goal was the Rail.  I play one call before I climbed the stairs to the North Tower.  I was climbing the steps and I got a response near to the Tower. I was surprised how fast the bird responded.  The call was a modified "grunt" and it sounded off two times more and one call was squeaky.  There were several people walking the trails which I was surprised.  I was talking to some men at the parking lot.  They reminding me to sign up for the Fishers Island trip on the 9th.  I got the last two spaces!  

I'm leading a walk at Jack Levin on the first day of May. Hoping for more migrants. Pray for southwest winds.