I was in the mood to test my cardio and see some birds and headed to the Drayton Grant Park at Burger Hill in Rhinebeck, NY.
The half-mile trail leads uphill through open meadows abounding with birds to a 550-foot hilltop affording panoramic vistas stretching from the Berkshires to the Catskills.
The views were breathtaking, and so were the birds.
Burger Hill is a must-see place for anyone Into Birds.
American Goldfinch were flitting about splashing my view with pops of black and yellow.
While Red-tailed hawks and Turkey Vultures were soaring high above.
But the trip served as a stark reminder of the many challenges facing the Bobolink.
Burger Hill is one of the few places for Bobolinks to thrive in the Hudson Valley as we’ve seen their grassy habitats consumed by land development and forest growth.
I enjoy watching these unique birds with their backward tuxedos to impress the ladies (white back and black underparts) and their bubbling percolator song.
I urge all conservation-minded bird watchers and bird enthusiasts to learn more about The Bobolink Project.
Support the Bobolink Project
The Bobolink Project links conservation-minded donors to conservation-minded farmers to sustain grassland birds.
The program uses donated funds to provide financial assistance to participating farmers who modify their mowing schedules so that grassland nesting birds can successfully raise their young.
The Bobolink Project is a proven approach that can protect birds and farms.
David Sibley, noted author of the Sibley Bird Guides said on the Sibley Bird Guides Facebook page, “Birders and farmers share a common interest in land preservation that is often overlooked. A pledge to the Bobolink Project will help by compensating farmers who agree to adopt bird-friendly farming practices. This allows you to support bird conservation AND local farms, which is good for everyone.”
Anyone who has seen a Bobolink up close will tell you they are quite memorable.
The bird’s backward tuxedos will bring a smile to your face.
I urge bird enthusiasts to put forth an effort to help keep them around for future generations to enjoy.
Read more about bird watching at Drayton Grant Park at Burger Hill here.
Renee