Greenbriar Park, Oxford (5/7)

I finished up on Sunday at Greenbriar Park in Oxford. The birds were still out but not in the same numbers as the morning walk. Yellow-rumps and Yellow Warblers were still singing and the bug eaters (Phoebe, Kingbird, Tree Swallow) were out in force. But I didn't find any rarities.

The water level in the pond was very high, possibly due to beaver activity. This appears to be great for the Eastern Painted Turtles. There were dozens of them of every size. They were all hauled out onto anything above the surface of the water to get some much needed sun. Also, in one of the side pools, I found a medium sized Northern Water Snake swimming back and forth. Its almost hypnotic to see them move thru the water.

But, the strangest thing was to see three Rangers on 4 wheelers "patrolling" the property. I don't know if they were assigned to Hodges Village Dam Corps of Engineers property which abuts Greenbriar but they had badges and special plates. Regardless, it couldn't be more ridiculous to see these large vehicles attempt to work their way down trails designed for hikers and mountain bikers. I realize that motorized vehicles are a big problem for the area in general. But, this seems to be an initiative that does more harm than good. And what a waste of resources.

Birds: Yellow-rump Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Ovenbird, Mourning Dove, Belted Kingfisher, Catbird, Northern Cardinal, Red-wing Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Goldfinch, Eastern Phoebe, Eastern Kingbird, Mallard, Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Brown Thrasher, House Wren, Tree Swallow, Chickadee, Blue Jay, Tufted Titmouse, Great Blue Heron, Downy Woodpecker, Warbling Vireo.