Wilson Trail Sightings

American Robin Nest (Downspout, unoccupied)

Just around the corner from the VC portico, an American Robin nest on the downspout raised two broods this year (if you look carefully, you'll see two layers of nest). I wouldn't be surprised if they tried for a third.

Garter Snake by Stone Wall

Leaving the VC towards the parking lot, scan the base of the stone wall where garter snakes occupy some of the small holes, and like to come out to warm themselves along the edge, especially on the right side closer to the parking lot.

2025-06-06: first sighting of 2025

Cedar Waxwing Nest (Parking lot Oak tree)

On the trail north by the parking lot, in the oak tree just before the first cross path to the rear of the building, a Cedar Waxwing has built a nest. It is in the second lowest branch closest to the path, and can be easily seen from there, but the proximity may spook the birds. The photo to the right shows the location as viewed from the parking lot, and it may be a good idea to bring the group around the parking lot instead of along the path as usual.

Note the presence of a larger empty robin nest in one of the higher branches closer to the parking lot

2025-08-02: Nest building, about 30% done

2025-08-03: Nest looks largely complete, putting finishing touches on nest.

Red-winged Blackbird Nest (Owens Platform, empty)

RWBL nest in small channel between Wilson Trail and Owens Platform. Best viewed from the start of the bridge to Owens.

Look at the clumps of cattails on the north side of the channel (away from the trail), find the one clump that sticks out the farthest. From there, the nest is in the next clump to the east.

2025-05-17: female incubating

2025-05-28: female present (viewed no binoculars)

2025-06-07: nestling visible in nest

2025-06-22: nest empty

Baltimore Oriole Nest (Sherwood/Charlie Harper)

In the big maple tree between Sherwood Platform and the Charlie Harper bench, a Baltimore Oriole has once again built a nest. Best viewed from Sherwood Platform, where it is at 3 o'clock - look for two branches separated a bit from the rest of the tree, the nest is near the end of one of them.

Can also be seen (and scoped) from the wilson trail by the Sherwood junction.

When viewed from the Charlie Harper bench, it is around 10 o'clock in the tree, near the very end of a branch.

2025-05-18: nest building activity, though actual nest could not be seen.

2025-05-25: nest visible, female entering and leaving

2025-06-07: bird seen entering likely incubating

2025-07-06: nest likely empty, but still good to show people.