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Fall Migration is upon us and I decided to explore one of the best hotspots for songbird migration, West Ashley Park. This large park encompasses over 260 acres and has amazing habitat for wildlife and birds! The park has miles of trails that walk through mature and diverse woodlands, wetlands, along waterways, and even a wooded island. You can spend hours walking the seemly endless trails of this park that is conveniently located in West Ashley. West Ashley Park is eBird hotspot #43 with 166 bird species recorded!
I exited the car and was greeted by 9 White Ibis looking for food on the muddy edge of the parking lot. As I headed to the trail I could see and hear many Eastern Bluebirds foraging in the vast open ballfields.
I began the trail exploration walking through a dense shady area of mature hardwoods and low wetlands. I heard countless local birds singing and calling. In fact I heard the year-round locals throughout the day on nearly all of the trails. The locals include Northern Cardinals, Carolina Wrens, Carolina Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, Blue Jays, Downy Woodpeckers, Red-bellied Woodpeckers and American Crows.
The first migrant I encountered was a Gray Catbird, these very cool birds like to hide in the brushy tangles just like Northern Cardinals. They make a cat like sound and sometimes will stay in view for a moment so you can see their dark cap and rufous colored vent.
Unexpectedly in the wooded wetlands a large heron leaped into the swamp, it was a Great Blue Heron hunting for food.
I left the wooded trail and walked the paved road further into the park, the tree line can be a good place to find mixed flocks of songbirds. I did not find any mixed flocks but I did stumble across a Little Blue Heron focused on finding breakfast along a small pond.
Looking up I noticed several Turkey Vultures roosting in close proximity, these large birds are so interesting to see up close.
I continued to search for songbirds along the woody edge of the road and headed to the island trail toward the back of the park. I made it to the island trail entrance and was impressed with the view and habitat. I have not walked this section of the park before.
As I approached the trail a Belted Kingfisher buzzed by making a loud rattle call. Walking the heavily wooded trail I continued to hear the local songbirds calling and singing.
About halfway down the undisturbed trail I saw 2 thrush fly across my view, one perched for a moment and it was a Swainson’s Thrush! These Thrush are migrating and we have the pleasure of seeing them in Charleston during the fall as they make their way south to Mexico and the tropics.
Walking a bit further I noticed a bird that has similar colors and spots as the thrush but smaller in size. Getting a closer look it was an Ovenbird, this awesome warbler usually forages on the ground and is named after its interesting nest that resembles a dutch oven.
On the last leg of the island trail I could hear the loud chips of an American Redstart.
I completed the island trail and headed back over the entrance bridge when I noticed flashes of yellow in the trees and bushes. I quickly looked through my binoculars and could see a Yellow Warbler, Northern Parula, Prairie Warbler, Red-eyed Vireo, Black and White Warbler and a Common Yellowthroat!
After the excitement of the colorful songbirds I continued back down the road and headed toward more trails through wetland and wooded habitat. I made it to a marsh habitat with a beautiful Osprey perched in a Live Oak Tree.
Past the marsh habitat I walked under the picturesque canopy of several large Live Oaks.
I noticed some movement high in the tree along the branches and Spanish moss. It was a drab looking warbler but several field marks revealed its identity. Blurry gray streaks, hints of yellow, pointed dark bill, dark eye-line and white tail spots. This was a Cape May Warbler! Another fall migrant foraging on it way south for the winter.
Getting close to the end of the trail I passed a quiet wooded area with muddy wetlands. I could hear a loud repeating chink call. I slowly moved closer to the calling bird and confirmed it was another migrating warbler called a Northern Waterthrush. This brownish warbler prefers this wetland habitat and pumps its tail as it walks along the ground.
I have visited West Ashley Park before however this was the first time I explored the island trail and few other trails. I was very impressed with the diverse trees and wetland habitat for wildlife to thrive. This is really a great local park to explore for wildlife and birds! The day yielded 46 species of birds while covering 3.85 miles.
eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S151344941
Happy Birding,
Charles
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