A warm and pleasant morning welcomed us to McKinley Park last Saturday, July 11th. Two people joined me for over 2 hours just walking around the lagoon – it is that interesting! Meanwhile Antonio helped over 15 people take from a few minutes to over a half hour find birds from his station on the south shore.

Between us we noted 27 species – not a long list but with great highlights. Although we didn't find the owl seen two weeks ago, eastern kingbirds were exciting enough. We watched a couple birds hunting, and with more patience than mine, the others spotted a nest, two adults feeding two nestlings. We had no luck getting a look at singing warbling vireos, but then found a fledgling still a bit fuzzy around its head.

Of birds Antonio saw but I didn't, a kestrel posed for pictures. We both saw two black-crowned night herons chasing each other; two more staying on the sidelines of whatever dispute that might have been.

A buttonbush in full bloom hosted a half dozen red admiral butterflies and a host of bees and other insects. One of several tiger swallowtails graced a lovely show of queen-of-the-prairie flowers, monarchs joined the butterfly show, and not to overlook numerous dragonflies.

We'll be back to the park for more nesting season treats on July 25, with binoculars – safely cleaned and handled – to loan. Check web site for more information.

Photo: Ruby-crowned Kinglet by Ronald Newhouse/Great Backyard Bird Count