On a beautiful Sunday morning, TTF Watershed Partnership hosted expert birder Keith Russell of the Audubon Society along with neighborhood bird lovers for a scenic bird walk through Tacony Creek Park. We first got energized with muffins and coffee for the walk ahead!
Russell pointed out dozens of birds that flew overhead as more than 25 walkers strolled down the path. Tacony Creek Park is home to tens of millions of birds, either stopping for a quick rest as they migrate to and from the south, or building a nest in which to raise a family. We spotted a total of 32 species on our three hour walk including:
Canada Goose (2), Rock Pigeon (10), Mourning Dove (10), Chimney Swift (10), Red-bellied Woodpecker (3), Downy Woodpecker(3), Hairy Woodpecker (1), Northern Flicker (1), Warbling Vireo (4), Red-eyed Vireo (1), Blue Jay (2), Northern Rough-winged Swallow (6), Barn Swallow (12), Carolina Chickadee (6), Tufter Titmouse (3), White-Breasted Nuthatch (2), House Wren (2), Carolina Wren (4), Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (3), Wood Thrush (2), American Robin (40), Gray Catbird (15), Northern Mockingbird (1), European Starling (50), Chipping Sparrow (1), Song Sparrow (3), Northern Cardinal (7), Common Grackie (20), Brown-headed Cowbird (4), Baltimore Oriole (5), American Goldfinch (2), House Sparrow (12)
In the distance, we heard woodpeckers peck-peck pecking as they searched for food, Mockingbirds imitating other birds, Canadian Geese honking away and even an occasional bull frog. Once in a while we would stop and listen to Keith’s spot-on Baltimore Oriole song, as he coaxed the bird out of hiding and caused it to reply with a cheerful tune.
We were lucky that Chris Anderson, bird walker and Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) Watershed Partnerships Coordinator, was a participant! We stopped along the path to learn how Green City, Clean Waters will help Tacony Creek Park by reducing runoff.
Interested in Tacony Creek Park’s summer activities? Join us for our Summer Block Parties on July 15-17 from 5 to 7 p.m.!
July 15 at I St. & Ramona Ave
July 16 at Whitaker Ave. & Loudon St.
July 17 at Rorer St. & Roosevelt Blvd.
Stay up to date by checking our Events page. Questions? Reach out to Doryán De Angel at 215.744.1853 or doryan@ttfwatershed.org!
