Wilson Trail Sightings

Garter Snake by Stone Wall (warm summer mornings)

In the summer months, when mornings are warm enough, scan the base of the stone walls leading to the VC entrance. Garter snakes occupy some of the small holes, and like to either poke their head(s) out of the holes, or sometimes just sit on the gravel along the edge. Their favored holes are on the south side, about 1/3 in from the parking lot.

2026-06-03: present around 11am once warmed up

Robin Nest (Stone Pillar) - inactive

Where the mulch trail begins off of the sidewalk, next to the Wilson Trail stone pillar, there is a robin nest on the tree just above it.

2026-05-08: parent seen feeding young

2026-05-21: no activity, likely fledged and inactive

Red-winged Blackbird Nest (Stone Pillar / Phragmites)

Where the mulch trail begins off of the sidewalk, just past the Wilson Trail stone pillar, in the phragmites to the right is a red-winged blackbird nest, the most conpicuous nest ever located at eye level some 10 feet in.

2026-05-31: female attending nest

Robin Nest (Fuller Wetland) - inactive

Where the boardwalk ends at Fuller Wetland, look to the right for two big dead trees lopped off about 20-feet high. An American Robin has a nest in the tree to the left about 4 feet from the top.

2026-04-27: nest building

2026-05-09: female occupying nest

2026-05-31: no activity

Red-winged Blackbird Nest (Fuller Wetlands)

In the western stretch of Fuller Wetland, past the hawthorn and river birch tree, there is a red-winged blackbird nest across the channel, about a foot above water level. See photos.

2026-05-31: nest occupied by female.

Canada Goose Eggs (Owens Platform)

In the island to the left of Owens Platform is a Canada Goose nest with some seemingly abandoned eggs, including one that has fallen to the water.

2026-06-03: Four eggs in nest, one close to water.

★ GC Flycatcher and Oriole Nests (Footbridge)

Just past the footbridge, looking across the stream, there is a dead snag with a Great Crested Flycatcher cavity facing away, not visible from the trail. If you walk back and look from the footbridge, you may be able to see the cavity from the side.

Behind that snag is a tree hosting a Baltimore Oriole nest near the middle, on a branch pointed somewhat towards you.

2026-06-03: GCFL and oriole both seen visiting their respective nests.

★ Oriole Nest (Sherwood Platform)

From Sherwood Platform looking right (southeast), the big maple tree is again hosting a Baltimore Oriole nest, located around 10-11 o'clock about two feet from the edge (see photo). The nest is easily visible from Sherwood, and likely not visible from the Charlie Harper bench.

2026-05-21: nest present.

2026-05-31: female seen entering nest (to incubate?).

Chickadee Cavity (near Vernal Pool) - likely inactive

At the bend in the trail near the vernal pool, a pair of Black-capped Chickadees were frequenting a cavity at the top of the dead stump, best viewed from the north.

2026-04-13: two birds heading in and out of the cavity.

2026-05-09: no activity observed.

2026-05-31: no activity observed.

🔥Pileated Nest (near bench in forest)

North of the pavilion is a bench, north of that is a Pileated Woodpecker cavity facing north. Two nestlings were looking out upon the world on 6-17. This is the prime viewing period, which may not last much longer.

2026-06-17: nestlings looking out of hole!

Bear corn / Cancer-root (Shelter)

Next to the shelter in the woods, you can again find some Conopholis americana ("bear corn" or "cancer root") growing from the roots of the adjacent oak tree.

2026-06-17: past their prime.

Chickadee cavity (Podell) - likely inactive

At the north end of Podell boardwalk, about halfway between the north end and the sitting area, look east for a stump about 10 feet away and 10 feet tall. About three inches from the top is a cavity facing south. Two chickadees were seen visiting it.

2026-05-11: One singing right next to it, second bird came in and entered.

2026-05-31: No activity observed

★ Red-bellied cavity (from Pergola)

Looking left from the pergola, a Red-bellied Woodpecker was seen entering a cavity in one of the dead ash trees.

2026-06-17: Male hung out and entered cavity.