Bird Walk Spots 27 Species at Saline River Preserve

A spring bird walk at the Leslee Niethammer Saline River Preserve connected local residents to a worldwide bird count and gave new and returning birders a reason to slow down, listen and look closely.

The walk, hosted by Friends of Saline River, included familiar faces and six new participants. By the end of the morning, the group had conclusively identified 27 bird species.

Amy Tesolin said the preserve is a strong place for birding because it offers fresh water from the river, food from insects and fruit, and shelter for birds. Its mix of prairie, forest, riverbank and farm habitat helps attract a wide range of species.

“The variety of habitats like our prairie, forest, riverbank/riparian zone and farm attracts a diversity of bird species,” Tesolin said.

Spring is especially active as migrating songbirds move through the area on their way north to breeding grounds. Tesolin said the preserve sits along the Atlantic and Mississippi flyways, giving birders a chance to see many species this time of year.

“We were hoping that people could enjoy the preserve in a new way, celebrate migratory birds and possibly even take up a new hobby,” Tesolin said.

The hike was organized in conjunction with Cornell Lab’s Global Big Day through eBird, a citizen science event tied to World Migratory Bird Day. Tesolin said the group planned to submit its species list as part of the worldwide count.

For Charlie Hirst the morning offered a chance to enjoy one of their favorite activities in a place full of birdsong.

“I love birding and was so excited to join Friends of Saline River for their walk,” Hirst said. “I love herons and saw two of them. I love the sound of birdsong, and I have never heard so many birds in one place.”

Tesolin said some participants decided after the walk to make the preserve a regular birding spot. The group also saw trees “teeming with warblers,” which Tesolin described as “the butterflies of the bird world.” Friends of Saline River is a nonprofit organization established in 2016 to protect the natural ecological diversity

Featured image: Participants in a Friends of the Saline River bird walk pause along a trail at the Leslee Niethammer Saline River Preserve. The group identified 27 bird species during the outing. Photo by Heather Finch