Many different species of birds can be seen along Hummock Loop during the Spring (march through May). Here are a few birds that are frequently identified.
Tree Swallow, Tachycineta bicolor. Is often seen in the Spring in large flocks, perching on wires, in bushes or reeds. It forages over the fields and water for berries and insects. Its song is clear, sweet whistles twit-weet twit-weet liliweet twit-weet. It is 5.75 ” in length, a wingspan of 14.5″ and weighs 0.7 oz.
Northern Cardinal, male, Cardinalis cardinalis. Can be seen year-round at CBEC. It feeds on seeds, fruit, and insect larvae. Its song is a series of high, clear, sharp whistles woit woit chew chew chew or pichew pichew tiw tiw tiw with many variations. It is 8.75″ in length, a wingspan of 12″ and weighs 1.6 oz.
Carolina Chickadee, Poecile carolinensis. Is common year-round and widespread in wooded areas. It eats a diet of seeds, berries, insects, invertebrates and occasionally small portions of carrion. Its song is three to five notes on different pitches see bee see. It is 4.75″ in length, a wingspan of 7.5″ and weighs 0.37 oz.
Eastern Bluebird, female, Sialis sialis, can be found year-round at CBEC. It feeds on insects and fruit gleaned from the ground or in vegetation. Its song is a pleasing soft phrase of mellow whistles chiti WEEW wewidoo and variations. It is 7″ in length, a wingspan of 13″ and weighs 1.1 oz.