June 15, 2023: Return of the Dickcissel

Dickcissel have returned to Ada Hayden in largo numbers. During the next few months, these will be one of the most noticeable (and vocal) birds on the Upland Trail and in other grassland habitats in the park (Greg Courtney, 6/03/2023).

June 11, 2023: Heard but Often Hidden…

Although often hiding in dense vegetation, Common Yellowthroat can be heard throughout the park. This was one of many of these colorful birds along the Upland Trail (Greg Courtney, 6/03/2023).

June 5, 2023: Warbling Vireo

Although its distinctive song is readily heard, finding a Warbling Vireo takes a bit more work.  They easily blend in with the vegetation, so look for movement.  This species does nest at the Park. (Wolf. Oesterreich, 5/10/23)

Mar 29, 2023: Ring-necked Duck

A male Ring-necked Duck takes flight from Jensen Pond.  This duck is misnamed, as the ring around the neck is hardly visible.  (Even with a specimen in hand, the ring is hard to see.)  However, the ring around the bill is quite evident, hence the duck should be called Ring-billed Duck. (Wolf. Oesterreich, 3/28/23).

Feb 5, 2023: Red-bellied Woodpecker

The "red belly" of this female Red-bellied Woodpecker is visible in this shot.  Most of the time, one doesn't see the "red belly". (Wolf. Oesterreich, 2/2/23)

Jan 17, 2023: Snow Goose

Snow Geese come in two morphs: white and blue.  This individual is a blue immature.  A white immature has been present for over two weeks, while a blue has only been present a few times. (Wolf. Oesterreich, 1/2/23)

Dec 27, 2022: White-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatches are with us all year long.  They commonly will visit bird feeders.  They also have the ability to move down the trunk headfirst. (Wolf. Oesterreich, 12/24/22)

Nov 15, 2022: American Tree Sparrow

As our Chipping Sparrows head south, American Tree Sparrows arrive from the north.  Note the bicolor bill and reddish crown.  There is also a dark spot on the center of the breast (not viewable from this angle).(Wolf. Oesterreich, 11/7/22)

Nov 5, 2022: Bobcat

This bobcat was caught on a trail camera at the park on October 25th at 3:30 in the morning. Bobcats are nocturnal and very elusive - it is unlikely that anyone would see one during the day. They also travel great distances and can move up to 10 miles per day. This is the first known documented sighting at the park. (Tana Tesdall, 10/25/22)

Sep 13, 2022: Touring the Park

Jim Pease, president of Friends of Ada Hayden Heritage Park speaking to participants of the annual golf cart tour. (Paul Domoto, 9/13/2022)

August 9, 2022: Great Crested Flycatcher

Great Crested Flycatchers are residents of Eastern woodlands.  At Ada Hayden HP, the bluff area is a common location for this flycatcher.  They are usually heard before being sighted.  Of all the eastern flycatchers, this species is the only one to nest in cavities.  They commonly interweave snakeskins into their nests.  Even though they are flycatchers, they also eat a fair amount of fruit. (Wolf. Oesterreich, 5/13/22)