This spotted sandpiper was seen on the edge of the observation deck overlooking the pond. He eventually moved off the deck and settled on the muddy bank nearby.

This immature barn swallow was congregating with a small flock of barn swallows on the observation deck railing and even stuck around after his family and friends took off.

The song sparrow is one of our many native sparrows. Unlike the introduced house sparrow, they are unlikely to be seen at bird feeders, although they may be found in backyards on the ground or in hedges, sometimes gathering with the bird-feeder birds, but scavenging for food in the vegetation. While I do see the occasional song sparrow in my backyard, they are quite common at the conservation area around the pond. This song sparrow was perched in a field of goldenrod at the entrance to the conservation area.

While I saw the Gray Catbird in my yard several times last year, this year it has been more elusive. I did manage to catch this quick glimpse of a Gray Catbird in the sumac thickets lining the path to the pond.

Several species of water birds can be frequently seen at the pond. Today and yesterday, the Great Egret spent some time fishing in the pond near the observation deck.

I am used to seeing the Great Blue Heron wading in the water fishing for carp. Yesterday, I was surprised to find him up in a tree. Although Great Blue Herons do nest in trees, I do not usually see them perched up there.