North Carolina county #1 Colonel Francis Beatty Park
Well, it is January 1st. I was all set to start out with my home county this year, Union County. However, after double checking, it turns out that all Union County parks are closed today, so I headed to Colonel Francis Beatty Park, which is only about 5 minutes away from me in Mecklenburg County. Colonel Francis Beatty Park does not have a great reputation for birding, but I go there a lot due to its proximity and enjoy walking around it. The lake has occasionally had some (non-Mallard) ducks on it, although it is frequented by a large number of joggers and dog-walkers. The area behind the softball field is typically best. It is a good spot for sparrows and warblers during migration.
Today was very gloomy, wet, and rainy, but I was hopeful it would clear up, or at least the weather would be good enough to get a solid morning of birding in. Unfortunately, it actually got worse, and since my camera gear is not fully weatherproof, I had to leave early. I got less than an hour of birding in, but still, it counts! My first county is completed.
Since I was out for such a short time, there is not much to report. I saw the usual suspects, and watched some Mallards play in the lake for a bit.
I wasn’t able to get a very nice photo of the park, since I didn’t want to play around with changing lenses in the rain.
Anyway, it’s a start, and I was glad to get out even for a short while. Hopefully my next county will be more eventful.
ebird checklist
Peter, this is a fantastic project, and I appreciate you taking the time to chronicle your activity for others to enjoy. I am a county birder and would love to talk with you about it if our paths cross.
Hi Steve, that would be great. I am at most of the Carolina Bird Club meetings if you attend any of them. I’m still learning and love to talk with other birders.