Birding Across America by Train

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BIRDING ACROSS AMERICA BY TRAIN

MAY 27–JUNE 9, 2019

Nelson’s Sparrow © Michael O’Brien

LEADERS: MICHAEL O’BRIEN & LOUISE ZEMAITIS with: Ron Martin in North Dakota

LIST COMPILED BY: MICHAEL O’BRIEN

VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS, INC. 2525 WALLINGWOOD DRIVE, SUITE 1003 AUSTIN, TEXAS 78746 WWW.VENTBIRD.COM

BIRDING ACROSS AMERICA BY TRAIN May 27–June 9, 2019

By Michael O’Brien

We had a remarkably successful cross-country adventure this year, featuring on-time trains throughout, minimal weather disruptions, and one of our best bird lists ever including many regional specialties. Each segment offered stark contrast with the others, and the cross-section of countryside we saw from the train gave us a vivid example of how amazingly diverse this country is.

Although rain threatened our first outing of the tour at Five Rivers near Albany, it held off just long enough for us to enjoy a classic sampling of Eastern deciduous forest and field. On our hike, we enjoyed Green Heron, Eastern Bluebird, Wood Thrush, Field Sparrow, Eastern Towhee, Bobolink, Blue-winged Warbler, and many others. When the rain finally hit, there was no better place to be than inside Thatcher Nature Center, where we peered out at feeders being visited by Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Blue Jay, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, and Northern Cardinal. Over the next several days, we explored the vast boreal and mixed forests of the Adirondack Mountains. Our home base, the very comfortable Adirondack League Club, could not have been more ideally suited to our needs. Right around the grounds of the lodge, we enjoyed the likes of Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Hermit Thrush, Blue-headed Vireo, Ovenbird, Blackburnian and Pine warblers, and Dark-eyed (“Slate-colored”) Junco. And it was simply delightful to enjoy morning coffee or evening cocktails while gazing out across Little Moose Lake, with its resident pair of Common Loons frequently in sight. Venturing farther afield, we visited some wonderful spots and found a host of boreal forest specialties including a long list of warblers, Yellow-bellied and Olive-sided flycatchers, Winter Wren, Swainson’s Thrush, and Purple Finch. The real star of the show was a beautiful Black-backed Woodpecker, a rare resident in the Adirondacks, which offered excellent views for all!

Adirondack League Club cabins © Michael O’Brien

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 2 Birding Across America by Train, 2019 On Amtrak’s Lakeshore Limited , we traveled west to Chicago where we changed trains to the Empire Builder and continued west, traveling along a flooded Mississippi River in Minnesota as the sun went down. By dawn, the wide-open spaces of North Dakota greeted us, complete with pothole marshes teeming with waterfowl and other marsh birds. Our three full days in North Dakota went by quickly, but we sure saw a lot. Beginning right in Minot, we visited Oak Park, a forested oasis along the Souris River. Oak Park can be a magnet for migrating songbirds, and even though it was already June 2, a handful of late migrants were still moving, highlighted by a stunning male Bay-breasted Warbler, along with a summer resident Lazuli Bunting. Later, a visit to the Minot Sewage Lagoons (no birding tour is complete without a visit to some sewage ponds!) got us up-close views of Yellow-headed Blackbirds, along with swarms of ducks, grebes, and wonderful views of both Wilson’s and Red-necked phalaropes. Our travels took us many miles to the west and east of Minot in search of the grassland and “pothole marsh” specialties that make North Dakota a prime birding destination. Among the many highlights, we particularly rejoiced in sightings of Sharp-tailed Grouse, Upland Sandpiper, Marbled Godwit, Ferruginous Hawk, Sedge Wren, Sprague’s Pipit, Chestnut-collared Longspur, and a dozen sparrow species including LeConte’s, Nelson’s, and Baird’s. Several of these took considerable effort to see, but all were worth it! Along the way, we never got bored seeing Black Tern, Franklin’s Gull, Eastern and Western kingbirds, Horned Lark, Western Meadowlark, Bobolink, and an interesting array of mammals and butterflies.

Marbled Godwit © Michael O’Brien

Moving west from Minot on the Empire Builder , we enjoyed another day in the prairies, complete with numerous sightings of Pronghorn and even a few Ferruginous Hawks. As the miles rolled by, we enjoyed watching the landscape gradually shift from pothole marsh country to dry prairies, and then abruptly to tall evergreen forest as we entered the Rocky Mountains. By morning we were cruising through the Columbia Basin; then we crossed the Cascades to the lush, towering forests and open waterways of the Pacific Northwest. As soon as we saw water,

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 3 Birding Across America by Train, 2019 we found our first Glaucous-winged Gulls, Pigeon Guillemots, and Harbor Seals, and with just a little scanning, we also found Marbled Murrelet and Harbor Porpoise. As we turned our attention to land birds, we quickly noticed a slightly different set of birds than we had seen before: “Red- shafted” Northern Flickers, Chestnut-backed Chickadees, Spotted Towhee, “Oregon” Dark-eyed Juncos, White-crowned Sparrows, very dark Song Sparrows, and slightly dark Yellow Warblers. Quite a change from the generally paler birds we were seeing in the prairies! The centerpiece of our visit to the Northwest was Olympic National Park. The magnificent forest here held many special birds, which took several visits to see. A little rain didn’t deter us, and we enjoyed wonderful views of Sooty Grouse, Barred Owl, Canada Jay, Pacific Wren, and Varied Thrush. And atop Hurricane Ridge, a brief window of bright sky (amidst snow flurries!) was enough to encourage the very local Olympic Marmot to appear out of its burrow and soak up as much warmth as it could. A visit to Ediz Hook was excellent for views of coastal specialties such as Harlequin Duck, Black Oystercatcher, Rhinoceros Auklet, and Pelagic Cormorant. For a grand finale, we visited the always-productive Railroad Bridge Park. It was a glorious sunny morning, the first in a few days, and the birds seemed particularly happy! Out basking in the sun, we found California Quail, Anna’s and Rufous hummingbirds, Red-breasted Sapsucker (flycatching moths!), Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Orange-crowned Warbler, and Black-headed Grosbeak. What a way to end the tour!

Red-breasted Sapsucker flycatching moths © Michael O’Brien

We would like to extend a special thanks to Ron Martin for joining us during the North Dakota section of this tour. His expertise and local knowledge was invaluable and much appreciated.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 4 Birding Across America by Train, 2019 ITINERARY

May 27 – Arrivals in Albany, New York; group meeting at 6 pm at the Hampton Inn & Suites, followed by dinner at Warehouse Grille; night in Albany.

May 28 – Breakfast at hotel; Albany area including Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, John Boyd Thatcher State Park overlook, and Thompson’s Lake State Park (Thatcher Nature Center); lunch at Cider House Restaurant; drive to Adirondack League Club; night and dinner at Adirondack League Club.

May 29 – Morning at Adirondack League Club including pre-breakfast birding around lodge and mid-late morning to East Lake area; afternoon to North Street (north branch of Moose River); night and all meals at Adirondack League Club.

May 30 – Pre-breakfast birding at League Club to Bisby Road; breakfast at League Club; mid- late morning to Brown’s Track Boardwalk; lunch at Raquette Lake Taproom; afternoon to Sagamore Road Bog, Ferd’s Bog (Pigeon Lake Wilderness Area), and Arrowhead Park; night and dinner at Adirondack League Club.

May 31 – Pre-breakfast birding at League Club to East Lake area; breakfast at League Club; shopping at Old Forge Hardware; Sagamore Road Bog; picnic lunch at Lake Durant Picnic Area; to Albany by 4:20 pm; depart on Lakeshore Limited at 7:05 pm; night and dinner on Amtrak Lakeshore Limited.

June 1 – Dawn on Lakeshore Limited around Toledo, Ohio; arrival at Union Station, Chicago, by 9:28 am; independent lunch at Union Station; depart on Amtrak Empire Builder at 2:15 pm; cruising along the Mississippi River in eastern Minnesota by dusk; night on Amtrak Empire Builder.

June 2 – Dawn on Empire Builder in eastern North Dakota; to Minot by 7:52 am (37 min early!) where we met Ron Martin, who would remain with us throughout our stay in North Dakota; Oak Park; lunch at Panera Bread; afternoon at Minot Sewage Lagoons; dinner at Badlands; night at Hampton Inn & Suites, Minot.

June 3 – Breakfast at hotel; west of Minot to U.S. Rt. 2 (mp 100) Sharp-tailed Grouse lek; North Manitou School Section; Powers Lake; Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge; lunch in Kenmare at Gathering Grounds; Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge; dinner at Primo; night in Minot.

June 4 – Breakfast at hotel; east of Minot to 57 th Street wetland and prairie; Denbigh Experimental Forest; lunch in Towner at Bearded Moose; J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge; dinner at Ten North Maine; night in Minot.

June 5 – Breakfast at hotel; depart on Amtrak Empire Builder at 9:06 am; west to Whitefish, MT by dusk; night on Amtrak Empire Builder.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 5 Birding Across America by Train, 2019 June 6 – Dawn on Amtrak Empire Builder in the Columbia Basin, WA; through the Cascades to Edmonds by 9:31 am (21 min. late); 11:00 am Edmonds-Kingston ferry; lunch in Port Gamble at Scratch Kitchen; Salisbury Point Park; Wild Birds Unlimited in Gardiner; dinner at Café Garden; night at Olympic Lodge, Port Angeles.

June 7 – Pre-breakfast birding at Olympic National Park (Hurricane Ridge Road and Heart O’ the Hills Campground); breakfast at hotel; mid-late morning to Ediz Hook and Olympic NP Visitor Center; lunch at Toga’s; afternoon to Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park; dinner at Bella Italia; night in Port Angeles.

June 8 – Pre-breakfast birding at Olympic National Park (Heart O’ the Hills Campground); breakfast at Joshua’s; Railroad Bridge Park (including feeders at Dungeness River Audubon Center); lunch at Old Mill Café; 3:55 pm Bainbridge Island-Seattle ferry; arrival at hotel by 5:00 pm; farewell dinner at Sea-Tac Marriott (Aqua Terra); night at Sea-Tac Marriott.

June 9 – Departures from Seattle.

Seattle skyline © Michael O’Brien

BIRDS

KEY T = seen from train N = nest or nest building observed Y = dependent young observed (I) = Introduced species

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 6 Birding Across America by Train, 2019

Ducks, Geese & Swans ( Anatidae ) Snow Goose ( Anser caerulescens ) – One at the Minot Sewage Lagoons. Canada Goose ( Branta canadensis ) T, Y – Seen on nine days, missing only from the Adirondacks. Mute Swan ( Cygnus olor ) ( I ) T, Y – Pair with young seen from the train in IN. Wood Duck ( Aix sponsa ) T, Y – Numerous at Five Rivers and Oak Park, plus a few others from the train. Blue-winged Teal ( Anas discors ) T – One of the most numerous waterfowl species on the ND pothole marshes; also a few in MT. Cinnamon Teal ( Anas cyanoptera ) T – A few seen from the train in MT. Northern Shoveler ( Anas clypeata ) T – Numerous on the Plains. Gadwall ( Anas strepera ) T – Numerous in ND; a few in MT. American Wigeon ( Anas americana ) T – Small numbers seen in ND. Mallard ( Anas platyrhynchos ) T – Seen every day. Northern Pintail ( Anas acuta ) T – Fairly numerous in ND; a few in MT. Green-winged Teal ( Anas crecca ) – Two at 57 th Street in ND. Canvasback ( Aythya valisineria ) T – Fairly numerous on the prairie pothole marshes. Redhead ( Aythya americana ) T – More widespread numerous than Canvasback; we saw this species on many pothole lakes and marshes in ND and a few in MT as well. Lesser Scaup ( Aythya affinis ) T – Widespread and numerous on most of the larger Pothole lakes and marshes in ND and MT. Harlequin Duck ( Histrionicus histrionicus ) – Excellent views of several of these beautiful sea ducks at Ediz Hook, WA.

Harlequin Duck © Michael O’Brien

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 7 Birding Across America by Train, 2019 Surf Scoter ( Melanitta perspicillata ) – Six on the Edmonds-Kingston Ferry Bufflehead ( Bucephala albeola ) T – Numerous at Minot Sewage Lagoons and a few at Lostwood NWR, ND; a few others from the train in ND and MT. Hooded Merganser ( Lophodytes cucullatus ) – Several at Oak Park in Minot. Common Merganser ( Mergus merganser ) T – Two females at the Adirondack League Club, plus a few from the train in WA. Ruddy Duck ( Oxyura jamaicensis ) T – Small numbers on pothole marshes in ND and MT.

New World Quail (Odontophoridae) California Quail ( Callipepla californica ) Y – Male with chick nearby at Railroad Bride Park.

California Quail © Michael O’Brien

Pheasant, Grouse & Allies ( Phasianidae ) Ring-necked Pheasant ( Phasianus colchius ) ( I ) T – Several of this introduced Asian species at 57 th Street and Des Lacs, ND, plus a few others from the train. Ruffed Grouse ( Bonasa umbellus ) – Heard drumming faintly at the League Club. Sooty Grouse ( Dendragapus fuliginosus ) – Excellent views of a male roosting in the rain at Olympic National Park. Sharp-tailed Grouse ( Tympanuchus phasianellus ) – Brief views of one bird peering above the ridge at the U.S. Rt. 2 lek, then better views of several birds at 57 th Street Prairie. Wild Turkey ( Meleagris gallopavo ) T – Seen on seven days, from NY west to ND; their numbers continue to increase.

Grebes ( Podicipedidae ) Pied-billed Grebe ( Podilymbus podiceps ) – Heard at Lostwood NWR.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 8 Birding Across America by Train, 2019 Horned Grebe ( Podiceps auritus ) – One on a pond near Powers Lake. Red-necked Grebe ( Podiceps grisegena ) N – Six on one lake at Lostwood NWR.

Red-necked Grebe © Michael O’Brien

Eared Grebe ( Podiceps nigricollis ) T – Numerous at the Minot Sewage Lagoons, plus a few at several other locations in ND and MT. Western Grebe ( Aechmorphus occidentalis ) T – Numerous at Des Lacs NWR, plus a few at the Minot Sewage Lagoons, and others from the train in Williston, ND.

Doves & Pigeons ( Columbidae ) Rock Pigeon ( Columba livia ) ( I ) T – Seen on ten days, missed only while we were in the Adirondacks. Band-tailed Pigeon ( Patagioenas fasciata ) – Seen all several locations in WA with best views at Ediz Hook. Eurasian Collared-Dove ( Streptopelia decaocto ) ( I ) T – Seen on the last six days of the tour, from ND westward. Originally from Eurasia, this species was introduced into the Bahamas in the 1970’s and has since colonized much of North America with amazing speed. However, this year, numbers seemed somewhat lower than in recent years. Mourning Dove ( Zenaida macroura ) T – Seen on nine days; ubiquitous in open country, but scarce in heavily forested areas of the Adirondacks and Pacific Northwest.

Swifts ( Apodidae ) Chimney Swift ( Chaetura pelagica ) T, N – Seen on eight days, from NY west to MT. Within this region, usually present in old town centers, where there are older buildings with uncapped chimneys. It was particularly enjoyable to watch several Chimney Swifts repeatedly pluck branches from a treetop to use for nesting material in Kenmare, ND. Vaux’s Swift ( Chaetura vauxi ) – A few in WA with best views at Ediz Hook.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 9 Birding Across America by Train, 2019

Hummingbirds ( Trochilidae ) Ruby-throated Hummingbird ( Archilochus colubris ) – Seen several times in NY, including a beautiful male at a feeder just inches away at the Thatcher Nature Center; also a single bird at Denbigh in ND. Anna’s Hummingbird ( Calypte anna ) – Several in WA, including a male really showing off to its mate at Railroad Bridge Park.

Anna’s Hummingbird © Michael O’Brien

Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus ) – Nice comparisons with Anna’s at both Wild Birds Unlimited and Railroad Bridge Park, WA.

Rails & Coots ( Rallidae ) Virginia Rail ( Rallus limicola ) – Heard at the Minot Sewage Lagoons and Des Lacs NWR, ND. Sora ( Porzana carolina ) – We heard this secretive marsh bird’s distinctive “whinny” call at several locations in ND. American Coot ( Fulica americana ) T – Seen daily in ND, but not in large numbers.

Cranes ( Gruidae ) Sandhill Crane ( Grus Canadensis ) T – Several seen from the train in WI.

Avocets & Stilts ( Recurvirostridae ) Black-necked Stilt ( Himantopus mexicanus ) T – Seen from the train in MT. American Avocet ( Recurvirostra americana ) T – Three at the Minot Sewage Lagoons, plus a few from the train in ND and MT.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 10 Birding Across America by Train, 2019

Oystercatchers ( Haematopodidae ) Black Oystercatcher ( Haemotopus bachmani ) – A specialty of the Pacific Coast, we had excellent views of a pair at Ediz Hook.

Black Oystercatcher © Michael O’Brien

Plovers & Lapwings ( Charadriidae ) Killdeer ( Charadrius vociferus ) T – Seen on seven days, mainly in the prairies, including right along the railroad tracks where they somehow manage to thrive.

Sandpipers ( Scolopacidae ) Upland Sandpiper ( Bartramia longicauda ) T – We saw this iconic, declining prairie species at several locations in ND, with particularly good views at Lostwood NWR and 57 th Street Prairie. Marbled Godwit ( Limosa fedoa ) T – One or two seen on each of our four days in ND. Sanderling ( Calidris alba ) – Small flock flying across one of the ponds at the Minot Sewage Lagoons. White-rumped Sandpiper ( Calidris fuscicollis ) – Four offering excellent comparisons with two Semipalmated Sandpipers at 57 th Street, ND. This long-distance migrant was just passing through from wintering grounds in s. South America to breeding grounds in the high arctic.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 11 Birding Across America by Train, 2019 Semipalmated Sandpiper ( Calidiris pusilla ) – Two with the White-rumps at 57 th Street, ND; also a migrant, but not traveling quite as far as White-rumps: only from n. South America to the low arctic! Wilson’s Snipe ( Gallinago delicate ) T – Excellent views at the 57 th Street Wetlands, plus several other roadside or trainside sightings in ND. Wilson’s Phalarope ( Phalaropus tricolor ) T – A common summer resident in the prairie pothole region, we saw these birds at quite a few marshes and roadside ponds, including from the train. Red-necked Phalarope ( Phalaropus lobatus ) – Close relative of the Wilson’s Phalarope, but unlike that species, breeds on the arctic tundra and winters at sea. However, migrants are numerous in the Plains, where they seem particularly drawn to sewage ponds were the nutrient load is highest. We saw good numbers at the Minot Sewage Lagoons.

Red-necked Phalaropes (male & female) © Michael O’Brien

Spotted Sandpiper ( Actitis macularius ) T – First seen on our own tiny beach at the Adirondack League Club, then subsequently at several locations in ND, plus Railroad Bridge Park, WA. Willet ( Tringa semipalmata ) T – A few at several locations and all four days in ND, including from the train. All the birds we saw belonged to the “Western” subspecies which breed in the prairies. These are quite distinct from the saltmarsh-dwelling “Eastern” Willet, and will likely be split in the future.

Auks, Murres & Puffins ( Alcidae ) Pigeon Guillemot ( Cepphus columba ) T – We saw these beautiful seabirds were present at all locations where we looked at the water in WA. Marbled Murrelet ( Brachyramphus marmoratus ) – We had nice looks at two of these special birds at Salisbury Point Park. This icon of the Pacific Northwest is unique among alcids

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 12 Birding Across America by Train, 2019 in their habit of nesting in old growth coniferous forest, a fact that was not discovered until recent decades. Rhinoceros Auklet ( Cerohinca monocerata ) – Several at Ediz Hook, including one feeding very close to shore.

Rhinoceros Auklet © Michael O’Brien

Gulls & Terns ( Laridae ) Franklin’s Gull ( Leucophaeus pipixcan ) T – This beautiful, long-distance migrant gull nests in the prairie pothole region but winters off the Pacific Coast of South America. We saw them at many locations in ND, with biggest numbers at at Salyer NWR. Ring-billed Gull ( Larus delawarensis ) T – Numerous in the Plains. Western Gull ( Larus occidentalis ) – Four at Ediz Hook. California Gull ( Larus californicus ) T – Small numbers of mainly fly-bys seen in the Plains, plus better studies of four immatures at Ediz Hook. Herring Gull ( Larus argentatus ) T – A few seen in the Adirondacks, plus many along the shores of Lake Michigan. Glaucous-winged Gull ( Larus glaucescens ) T – The abundant gull on the WA coast, we saw them whenever we were within a few miles of water. This region marks the narrow overlap zone where both this species and the closely related Western Gull nest, and the two species regularly interbreed. The resulting hybrids, known locally as the “Puget Sound Gull”, are numerous here and make gull identification much more challenging! We saw several such hybrids, which look intermediate between the darker Western Gull and paler Glaucous-winged. Caspian Tern ( Hydroprogne caspia ) – Several seen on our ferry rides in WA.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 13 Birding Across America by Train, 2019 Black Tern ( Childonias niger ) T – We saw this spectacular freshwater marsh tern at several locations in the Plains, including close views of a breeding colony at Lostwood NWR.

Black Tern © Michael O’Brien

Forster’s Tern ( Sterna forsteri ) T – A few in ND at Salyer NWR and Des Lacs NWR.

Loons ( Gaviidae ) Common Loon ( Gavia immer ) – We had regular sightings of this iconic bird of the North Woods at the Adirondack League Club and on other nearby lakes. We even heard their haunting tremolo and wailing calls on several occasions. In a very different setting, we also saw an immature in nonbreeding plumage at Ediz Hook.

Cormorants ( Phalacrocoracidae ) Pelagic Cormorant ( Phalacrocorax pelagicus ) N – Numerous at Ediz Hook, WA. Double-crested Cormorant ( Phalacrocorax auritus ) T, N – Seen on seven days of the tour, from NY to WA, including a breeding colony in ND.

Pelicans ( Pelecanidae ) American White Pelican ( Pelecanus erythrorhynchos ) T – Several seen from the train in ND.

Herons, Egrets & Bitterns ( Ardeidae ) American Bittern ( Botaurus lentiginosus ) – Heard at Brown’s Track Boardwalk, NY. Great Blue Heron ( Ardea herodias ) T – Seen on seven days, and in each segment of the tour. Great Egret ( Ardea alba ) T – Seen from the train in IL and WI. Green Heron ( Butorides virescens ) T – Nice views at Five Rives; also seen from the train in WI.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 14 Birding Across America by Train, 2019 Black-crowned Night-Heron ( Nycticorax nycticorax ) T – One at Salyer NWR, and another from the train in ND.

Ibises & Spoonbills ( Threskiornithidae ) White-faced Ibis ( Plegadis chihi ) – Numerous at Salyer NWR.

New World Vultures ( Cathartidae ) Turkey Vulture ( Cathartes aura ) T, N – Seen on all but one day.

Osprey ( Pandionidae ) Osprey ( Pandion haliaetus ) T, N – One in ND at 57 th Street, plus numerous others in WA.

Hawks, Eagles & Kites ( Accipitridae ) Northern Harrier ( Circus cyaneus ) T – A few seen daily in the prairies. Cooper’s Hawk ( Accipiter cooperii ) – One at Oak Park, ND, and another at Railroad Bridge Park, WA. Bald Eagle ( Haliaeetus leucocephalus ) T, N – Seen on six days and every segment of the tour. Red-shouldered Hawk ( Buteo lineatus ) – One near Albany. Broad-winged Hawk ( Buteo platypertus ) – Several soaring birds in the Adirondacks, plus one at Oak Park, ND. Swainson’s Hawk ( Buteo swainsoni ) T – This prairie species was seen daily in ND and MT. Red-tailed Hawk ( Buteo jamaicensis ) T, N – Seen on nine days in all three segments of the tour. It was interesting to see plumage patterns shift from paler “Eastern” birds from NY to MT, and darker “Western” birds from MT to WA. Ferruginous Hawk ( Buteo regalis ) T – One near Powers Lake, ND, plus several from the train in MT.

Barred Owl © Michael O’Brien

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 15 Birding Across America by Train, 2019

Typical Owls ( Strigidae ) Barred Owl ( Strix varia ) Y – Only a few of us heard one late at night at the Adirondack League Club, but we all had spectacular views of another in WA at Olympic National Park; two begging juveniles were calling near this bird, but out of view.

Kingfishers ( Alcedinidae ) Belted Kingfisher ( Megaceryle alcyon ) T – Seen on only four days, but on all three segments of the tour.

Woodpeckers & Allies ( Picidae ) Yellow-bellied Sapsucker ( Sphyrapicus varius ) – Excellent views of several birds at the Adirondack League Club, plus two in ND at 57 th Street. Red-breasted Sapsucker ( Sphyrapicus ruber ) – Heard at Olympic National Park, then two seen at Railroad Bride Park; one of these was flycatching moths! Red-bellied Woodpecker ( Melanerpes carolinus ) – Heard at Five Rivers. Black-backed Woodpecker ( Picoides arcticus ) – One of the most exciting birds of the tour, we enjoyed great views of this scarce species at Brown’s Tract Boardwalk.

Black-backed Woodpecker © Michael O’Brien

Downy Woodpecker ( Picoides pubescens ) – Seen or heard on five days, and in all three segments of the tour. We noted the darker Pacific Northwest subspecies in WA after seeing typical eastern birds with big white spots on their wing coverts in NY and ND. Hairy Woodpecker ( Picoides villosus ) N – Seen or heard on four days and in all three segments of the tour; best view was of a bird visiting a nest in a power pole at Brown’s Tract Boardwalk.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 16 Birding Across America by Train, 2019 Pileated Woodpecker ( Dryocopus pileatus ) – Heard several times in NY, and a fly-by seen at Denbigh in ND. Northern Flicker ( Colaptes auratus ) T, N – We saw the eastern “Yellow-shafted” birds every day in the Adirondacks, with a nest right at the League Club. Then in WA, we saw two western “Red-shafted” birds at Salisbury Point Park.

Falcons & Caracaras ( Falconidae ) American Kestrel ( Falco sparverius ) T – Only three birds seen from the train, one in WI and two in ND. These are frighteningly low numbers compared to this species’ historical abundance. Merlin ( Falco columbarius ) – We saw three of the pale “Prairie” subspecies in Minot, and a fly- by of the dark “Black” subspecies at the Bainbridge Island ferry terminal in WA.

Tyrant Flycatchers ( Tyrannidae ) Olive-sided Flycatcher ( Contopus cooperi ) – We saw a distant perched bird at Ferd’s Bog in NY, and heard another singing at Olympic National Park, WA. The subtle difference between the “quick three beers” songs of eastern and western Olive-sided populations has important taxonomic implications since flycatcher songs are genetically hardwired, not learned. Western Wood-Pewee ( Contopus sordidulus ) – Seen at Salisbury Point and Railroad Bridge Park, WA. Eastern Wood-Pewee ( Contopus virens ) – Seen at the League Club and heard at a few other locations in NY and ND. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher ( Empidonax flaviventris ) – We had good views of this boreal specialty at Brown’s Tract Boardwalk, and heard them at a few other locations.

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher © Michael O’Brien

Alder Flycatcher ( Empidonax alnorum ) – Seen daily in the Adirondacks, plus several in ND. Willow Flycatcher ( Empidonax traillii ) – Seen at Five Rivers EEC in NY, and 57 th Street Prairie in ND.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 17 Birding Across America by Train, 2019 Least Flycatcher ( Empidonax minimus ) – Only heard in the Adirondacks, but seen daily in ND. Pacific-slope Flycatcher ( Empidonax dificilis ) – We saw this West Coast specialty in WA at Olympic NP. Eastern Phoebe ( Sayornis phoebe ) N – Seen at Five Rivers and North Street in NY, and at Denbigh in ND. Great-crested Flycatcher ( Myiarchus crinitus ) – Seen at Five Rivers in NY, and heard at Oak Park, ND. Western Kingbird ( Tyrannus verticalis ) T – Numerous along prairie roadsides in ND, and also seen from the train in MT. Eastern Kingbird ( Tyrannus tyrannus ) T – A few around Albany but especially numerous throughout the prairies, where we sometimes saw them alongside Western Kingbird.

Eastern Kingbird © Michael O’Brien

Vireos & Allies ( Vireonidae ) Yellow-throated Vireo ( Vireo flavifrons ) – Nice views of one at Denbigh, ND; a few others heard. Blue-headed Vireo ( Vireo solitarius ) – Seen daily in the Adirondacks, where we frequently heard their “drunk Red-eyed Vireo” song. Philadelphia Vireo ( Vireo philadelphicus ) – One seen at Brown’s Tract Boardwalk. Warbling Vireo ( Vireo gilvus ) – Seen and heard at several locations in ND, and also at Railroad Bridge Park, WA. These birds represented both Eastern and Western subspecies, which are very similar in appearance, but differ more distinctly by song. These two populations may warrant full species status. Red-eyed Vireo ( Vireo olivaceus ) – Abundant in the Adirondacks, where we saw them at numerous locations and their monotonous song was nearly constant; smaller numbers at a few locations in ND.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 18 Birding Across America by Train, 2019

Crows, Jays & Magpies ( Corvidae ) Canada Jay ( Perisoreus canadensis ) T – Nice views at Olympic NP, WA. Steller’s Jay ( Cyanocitta stelleri ) – Excellent views of this western counterpart of the Blue Jay at Wild Birds Unlimited, WA; a few others heard at Olympic NP.

Steller’s Jay © Michael O’Brien

Blue Jay ( Cyanocitta cristata ) T – Seen daily in NY, plus a few in ND. Black-billed Magpie ( Pica hudsonia ) T, N – Seen near Power’s Lake, ND, plus quite a few from the train western ND and MT. American Crow ( Corvus brachyrhynchos ) T – We saw crows on every day of the tour, though identifying them to species became problematic when we arrived on the WA coast. From Edmonds to the Olympic Peninsula, crows seem smaller overall, with softer, huskier voices than any American Crows we encountered from the Plains eastward. They are also more social, frequently gathering in tight groups as they forage along shorelines. In many respects, these birds seem more closely aligned with Northwestern Crow ( Corvus caurinus ), which supposedly ranges roughly from the n. WA coast to AK. However, there is no obvious break between birds in WA and those farther down the coast in OR and CA, raising the question as to weather a taxonomic revision of this complex is in order. Who knows, maybe we’ll be calling these birds “Pacific Crow” someday! Fish Crow ( Corvus ossifragus ) – Several at our hotel in Albany. Common Raven ( Corvus corax ) T – Seen or heard on nine days, in all three segments of the tour.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 19 Birding Across America by Train, 2019

Larks ( Alaudidae ) Horned Lark ( Eremophila alpestris ) T, Y – A few seen daily in ND.

Horned Lark © Michael O’Brien

Swallows ( Hirundinidae ) Northern Rough-winged Swallow ( Stelgidopteryx serripennis ) T – Seen at Oak Park, ND, as well as from the train in WI. Purple Martin ( Progne subis ) T, N – Seen daily in the plains, including a small breeding colony at Powers Lake, and small groups at several other locations in ND; one also near Edmonds, WA. Tree Swallow ( Tachycineta bicolor ) T, N – We saw small numbers daily through the first ten days of the tour from NY to MT, but none on our last two days on the Olympic Peninsula. Violet-green Swallow ( Tachycineta thalassina ) T, N – Numerous in WA, with our best views being several birds coming and going from nest boxes at Railroad Bridge Park. Bank Swallow ( Riparia riparia ) T – Several at the Minot Sewage Lagoons, plus a large colony seen from the train in ND. Barn Swallow ( Hirundo rustica ) T, N – Seen every day. Cliff Swallow ( Petrochelidon pyrrhonota ) T, N – Seen daily in the Plains, where they were often abundant; they seem to nest under every bridge with a stream running below it. We also saw a single bird in WA at Salisbury Point Park.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 20 Birding Across America by Train, 2019 Chickadees & Tits ( Paridae ) Black-capped Chickadee ( Poecile atricapillus ) – Seen or heard on seven days and all three segments of the tour. Chestnut-backed Chickadee ( Poecile rufescens ) – Good views at several locations in WA.

Chestnut-backed Chickadee © Michael O’Brien

Tufted Titmouse ( Baeolophus bicolor ) – Nice views of one visiting feeders at the Thatcher Nature Center.

Long-tailed Tits ( Aegithalidae ) Bushtit ( Psaltriparus minimus ) – Heard in Port Gamble, WA.

Nuthatches ( Sittidae ) Red-breasted Nuthatch ( Sitta canadensis ) – Seen or heard on six days, on all three segments of the tour. White-breasted Nuthatch ( Sitta carolinensis ) – Seen well at Thatcher Nature Center, NY, and Oak Park, ND.

Creepers ( Certhiidae ) Brown Creeper ( Certhia americana ) – Seen at the League Club, NY, and Olympic National Park, WA.

Wrens ( Troglodytidae ) House Wren ( Troglodytes aedon ) – Seen at Five Rivers EEC, NY, and Des Lacs NWR, ND.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 21 Birding Across America by Train, 2019 Pacific Wren ( Troglodytes pacificus ) – After considerable effort, we finally had nice views of a singing male at Olympic NP. A recent split from Winter Wren, we made note of this bird’s distinctly low, buzzier song. Winter Wren ( Troglodytes hiemalis ) – Much like our experience with Pacific Wren, it took considerable effort, but we finally had great views of a singing male at the Adirondack League Club; several others were heard singing their amazing song. Sedge Wren ( Cistothorus platensis ) – Excellent views at 57 th Street Wetland.

Sedge Wren © Michael O’Brien

Marsh Wren ( Cistothorus palustris ) – Nice views of this skulker at Des Lacs NWR and 57th Street Wetland, ND; heard a few other places. Birds in ND are of the Eastern group, with their musical bubbly songs, beginning with a nasal or buzzy note. Carolina Wren ( Thryothorus ludovicianus ) – Heard at Five Rivers, NY.

Kinglets ( Regulidae ) Golden-crowned Kinglet ( Regulus satrapa ) – Several at Olympic NP. Ruby-crowned Kinglet ( Regulus calendula ) – One heard at Brown’s Tract Boardwalk.

Thrushes & Allies ( Turdidae ) Eastern Bluebird ( Sialia sialis ) T – Seen at Five Rivers EEC in NY, and also a few times from the train in IL and ND. Varied Thrush ( Ixoreus naevius ) – Excellent views of a bird making a fuss over a Barred Owl at Olympic NP. Veery ( Catharus fuscescens ) – Seen at North Street, NY, and also heard at Denbigh, ND. Swainson’s Thrush ( Catharus ustulatus ) – Seen at Brown’s Tract Boardwalk, NY, and at the Wild Bird Center, WA; heard at several other locations. Birds in NY are of the “Olive-

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 22 Birding Across America by Train, 2019 backed” subspecies, while those in WA are of the “Russet-backed” subspecies. In addition to being more warmly colored above, Russet-backed birds sing a slightly lower song with more stuttered introduction. These populations may eventually get elevated to full species status. Hermit Thrush ( Catharus guttatus ) – Wonderful views of a bird singing its ethereal song at the Adirondack League Club; others heard at several locations in NY. Wood Thrush ( Hylocichla mustelina ) – Seen at Five Rivers EEC, NY. American Robin ( Turdus migratorius ) T, N, Y – Seen every day.

Mockingbirds & Thrashers ( Mimidae ) Gray Catbird ( Dumetella carolinensis ) – Seen at several sites in NY; our most memorable view was of one flycatching at North Street. Brown Thrasher ( Toxostoma rufum ) – Two seen at the 57 th Street Prairie in ND. Northern Mockingbird ( Mimus polyglottos ) – One heard singing at our hotel in Albany was not too surprising, but it was a big surprise to see one at Arrowhead Park in the Adirondacks, where they are rare!

Starlings ( Sturnidae ) European Starling ( Sturnus vulgaris ) ( I ) T, Y – Seen every day.

Pipits ( Motacillidae ) Sprague’s Pipit ( Anthus spragueii ) – We had great views of one at the North Manitou School Section as it “skylarked” above us and even walked the road.

Sprague’s Pipit © Michael O’Brien

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Waxwings ( Bombycillidae ) Cedar Waxwing ( Bombycilla cedrorum ) T – Seen on ten days.

Finched, Euphonias, & Allies ( Fringillidae ) House Finch ( Carpodacus mexicanus ) Y – Seen on five days, and in all three segments of the tour. Purple Finch ( Haemorhous purpureus ) – Recorded on six days, on all three segments of the tour. Birds in NY and ND were of the Northern/Eastern subspecies, while those in WA were of the Pacific subspecies. Pacific birds are drabber in plumage and sing slightly lower, less musical songs. Pine Siskin ( Spinus pinus ) – Seen on all three days in WA. American Goldfinch ( Spinus tristis ) T – Seen on seven days and all three segments; most numerous in the ND and WA.

Longspurs ( Calacariidae ) Chestnut-collared Longspur ( Calcarius ornatus ) T – We enjoyed spectacular views of this prairie specialty in ND at the 57 th Street Prairie, ND. Also glimpsed from the train in MT!

Chestnut-collared Longspur © Michael O’Brien

New World Sparrows ( Passerellidae ) Grasshopper Sparrow ( Ammodramus savannarum ) – Another grassland specialist, we were pleased to find a good concentration of these birds at the 57 th Street Prairie; a few others were seen and heard elsewhere on the ND prairies. Chipping Sparrow ( Spizella passerina ) – Seen on seven days and in all three segments of the tour.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 24 Birding Across America by Train, 2019 Clay-colored Sparrow ( Spizella pallida ) N – This petite sparrow of the Plains was numerous at many locations in ND. Field Sparrow ( Spizella pusilla ) – Several seen at Five Rivers EEC in NY. Lark Sparrow ( Chondestes grammacus ) – Seen well in ND at the 57 th Street Prairie. Dark-eyed Junco ( Junco hyemalis ) – We saw the “Slate-colored” form of this species all four days in the Adirondacks, and the “Oregon” form all three days in WA. White-crowned Sparrow ( Zonotrichia leucophrys ) – A rather ubiquitous species in WA, we saw them at many locations, from at the Amtrak station in Edmonds to our hotel in Port Angeles. These Pacific coast birds look and sound quite distinct from other White-crown populations. White-throated Sparrow ( Zonotrichia albicollis ) – This bird’s clear whistled song is an iconic sound of the North Woods. We enjoyed hearing these at numerous locations in the Adirondacks, and had wonderful views at the League Club. Vesper Sparrow ( Pooecetes gramineus ) T – Seen well in ND at the 57 th Street Prairie and elsewhere in ND. LeConte’s Sparrow ( Ammospiza leconteii ) – A real skulker of prairie marshes, we had excellent views of one at Lostwood NWR, ND. Nelson’s Sparrow ( Ammospiza nelsoni ) – Another skulker of prairie marshes, usually preferring wetter spots than Le Conte’s; we had excellent views of one at the 57 th Street Marsh. Savannah Sparrow ( Passerculus sandwichensis ) T – One of the most common grassland specialists, we saw these birds several locations in ND. Baird’s Sparrow ( Centronyx bairdii ) – This grassland specialist is sharply declining and increasingly hard to find, so we were thrilled to see one well at the North Manitou School Section, ND. It’s hard to believe that in the late 1800s, Elliott Coues referred to Baird’s Sparrow as “one of the most abundant species in the Dakota Territory”.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 25 Birding Across America by Train, 2019

Song Sparrow ( Melospiza melodia ) T – Seen on ten days. We made note of how birds in WA were considerably larger and darker than those seen farther east. Swamp Sparrow ( Melospiza georgiana ) – Seen well at North Street in NY, and the 57 th Street Wetland in ND. Spotted Towhee ( Pipilo maculatus ) Y – Seen at several locations in WA. Eastern Towhee ( Pipilo erythrophthalmus ) – Excellent views at Five Rivers EEC and Thatcher Nature Center near Albany.

Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteridae) Yellow-breasted Chat ( Icteria virens ) – It was a real surprise to find this species at Denbigh, ND, where they are rare; they occur more regularly farther west in the state.

Troupials & Allies ( Icteridae ) Yellow-headed Blackbird ( Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus ) T, N – A blackbird of cattail marshes in the prairie pothole region, we saw many of these beautiful birds throughout ND and, from the train, into MT.

Bobolink ( Dolichonyx oryzivorus ) T – Wonderful views in NY at Five Rivers EEC, plus quite a few more on the prairies of ND. Always a big highlight on this trip! Western Meadowlark ( Sturnella neglecta ) T – Another species in decline, but we still saw many on the prairies of ND and, from the train, into MT. Eastern Meadowlark ( Sturnella magna ) – A seriously declining species, we heard one at Five Rivers EEC.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 26 Birding Across America by Train, 2019 Orchard Oriole ( Icterus spurius ) – Good views at the 57 th Street Prairie, plus a few others seen or heard elsewhere in ND. Baltimore Oriole ( Icterus galbula ) T – Seen at a few locations around Albany and in ND. It was particularly fun to see a male perched on a wire next to an Orchard Oriole at 57 th Street Prairie!

Red-winged Blackbird ( Agelaius phoeniceus ) T, N – Seen on nine days and all three segments of the tour. Brown-headed Cowbird ( Molothrus ater ) T – Seen on seven days and all three segments of the tour; most numerous in the Plains (where they are supposed to be!). Brewer’s Blackbird ( Euphagus cyanocephalus ) T – Numerous in the Plains, where we saw them daily; also a few at Ediz Hook in WA. Common Grackle ( Quiscalus quiscula ) T – Numerous and seen daily from NY to MT. All were of the expected Western/Northern “Bronzed” subspecies.

New World Warblers ( Parulidae ) Ovenbird ( Seiurus aurocapilla ) – Heard all over the place in the Adirondacks, with excellent scope views of one at the Adirondack League Club. Louisiana Waterthrush ( Parkesia motacilla ) – Heard singing at Five Rivers EEC, where this bird reaches about the northern limit of its range. Northern Waterthrush ( Parkesia noveboracensis ) – Two birds at Denbigh, ND, played hide and seek with us, but we eventually got a few quick looks. Blue-winged Warbler ( Vermivora cyanoptera ) – Excellent views at Five Rivers EEC in NY. Black-and-white Warbler ( Mniotilta varia ) – Several seen well in the Adirondacks, plus one heard at Oak Park, ND.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 27 Birding Across America by Train, 2019 Tennessee Warbler ( Oreothlypis peregrina ) – A couple of late migrants were heard singing at Oak Park and Towner, ND. Orange-crowned Warbler ( Oreothlypis celata ) – One singing male at Railroad Bride Park, WA, was of the relatively brightly colored (solid yellow-green) Pacific subspecies. Nashville Warbler ( Oreothlypis ruficapilla ) – Nice views at Browns Tract Boardwalk, plus several others heard in the Adirondacks. Common Yellowthroat ( Geothlypis trichas ) T – Seen or heard on seven days of the tour, in NY and ND. American Redstart ( Setophaga ruticilla ) – Seen at scattered locations in NY, with excellent views at North Street; also one at Oak Park, ND. Northern Parula ( Setophaga americana ) – Nice views at the Adirondack League Club and Brown’s Tract Boardwalk, NY. Magnolia Warbler ( Setophaga magnolia ) – We saw this beautiful warbler several times at the Adirondack League Club and elsewhere in the Adirondacks. Bay-breasted Warbler ( Setophaga castanea ) – We were thrilled to find a beautiful singing male of this species at Oak Park, ND; a rather late migrant. Blackburnian Warbler ( Setophaga fusca ) – It was wonderful to have this stunningly beautiful species be one of our regular “yard birds” during our stay at the Adirondack League Club. We had several excellent views here and elsewhere in the Adirondacks, and even watched one hunting black flies!

Yellow Warbler ( Setophaga petechia ) T – Seen on six days, and all three segments of the tour, but most numerous at Five Rivers in NY and Oak Park in ND. It was interesting to hear

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 28 Birding Across America by Train, 2019 the subtle shift in song types from east to west, and also see how the Pacific birds looked darker backed. Chestnut-sided Warbler ( Setophaga pensylvanica ) – Seen or heard at several locations in the Adirondacks; our favorite by far was having prolonged views of a very bright female gathering nesting material at North Street, NY.

Blackpoll Warbler ( Setophaga striata) – Our first official bird of the trip, we had nice views of a male at our hotel in Albany, and also saw a female at Oak Mark, ND; both of these were migrants headed farther north. Black-throated Blue Warbler ( Setophaga caerulescens ) – Seen well in NY at the Adirondack League Club and Brown’s Tract Boardwalk. Palm Warbler ( Setophaga palmarum ) – Mainly heard, and seen briefly in flight, at the Sagamore Road Bog, NY. This bird was of the Eastern or “yellow” subspecies. Pine Warbler ( Setophaga pinus ) – Seen several times in NY at Five Rivers and the Adirondack League Club. We enjoyed listening to this species’ trilled song, and comparing it to the similar Chipping Sparrow and Dark-eyed Junco. Yellow-rumped Warbler ( Setophaga coronata ) – Seen daily in the Adirondacks, where all birds were of the Northern/Eastern “Myrtle” subspecies, with white throats and dark cheek patches. Another one high in a treetop at Olympic National Park, WA, was of the Western “Audubon’s” subspecies, with yellow throat and plain gray cheeks. These distinct forms were formerly treated as separate species, and will likely be split again in the future.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 29 Birding Across America by Train, 2019 Black-throated Green Warbler ( Setophaga virens ) – Seen at several locations in the Adirondacks, including right by our lodge at the League Club. Canada Warbler ( Cardellina canadensis ) – With a little patience, we eventually had several nice views of this beautiful and shy species at the Adirondack League Club and Brown’s Tract Boardwalk. Wilson’s Warbler ( Cardellina pusilla ) – A few seen at Olympic National Park, WA.

Cardinals & Allies ( Cardinalidae ) Scarlet Tanager ( Piranga olivacea ) – Good views of a pair at the Adirondack League Club. Western Tanager ( Piranga ludoviciana ) – Heard at Olympic National Park and Railroad Bridge Park. Northern Cardinal ( Cardinalis cardinalis ) – Nice views at Thatcher Nature Center, NY, plus a few elsewhere around Albany. Rose-breasted Grosbeak ( Pheucticus ludovicianus ) – Seen well at the Adirondack League Club, NY. Black-headed Grosbeak ( Pheucticus melanocephalus ) – Both male and female seen well at Wild Birds Unlimited and Railroad Bridge Park, WA.

Lazuli Bunting ( Passerina amoena ) – Good views of a male at Oak Park, ND. Birds here are at the eastern edge of their range, and sing songs somewhat intermediate between Lazuli and Indigo. It seems likely that these birds have hybrid heritage, though no plumage features suggested that.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 30 Birding Across America by Train, 2019 Indigo Bunting ( Passerina cyanea ) – One at the Adirondack League Club, NY.

Old World Sparrows ( Passeridae ) House Sparrow ( Passer domesticus ) T, N – Seen on ten days; everywhere but the Adirondacks.

MAMMALS

Squirrels, Prairie Dogs, and Marmots (Sciuridae ) Eastern Gray Squirrel ( Tamias carolinensis ) – Numerous around Albany, NY, and also at Oak Park, ND. Many of these were dark morph animals, a common trait where populations are isolated. Douglas’s Squirrel ( Tamiasciurus douglassi ) – The Pacific Northwest counterpart of Red Squirrel; we saw it at Olympic National Park and Railroad Bridge Park.

Red Squirrel ( Tamiasciurus hudsonicus ) – Seen and heard several times in the Adirondacks. Townsend’s Chipmunk ( Neotamias townsendii ) – Seen at Olympic National Park. Eastern Chipmunk ( Tamias striatus ) – Numerous in the Adirondacks. Richardson’s Ground Squirrel ( Spermophilus richardsonii ) T – Numerous but declining in the North Dakota prairies; known locally as “Flicker Tail”. Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel ( Ictidomys tridecemlineatus ) – A few seen in North Dakota. Franklin’s Ground Squirrel ( Poliocitellus franklinii ) – A few seen west of Minot at the North Manitou School Section. Woodchuck ( Marmota monax ) T – Seen near Albany.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 31 Birding Across America by Train, 2019 Olympic Marmot ( Marmota olympus ) – Seen at Olympic National Park; it briefly appeared between snow flurries!

Rats & Mice ( Muridae ) Common Muskrat ( Ondatra zibethicus ) – Seen at Salyer NWR, ND.

Hares & Rabbits ( Leporidae ) Eastern Cottontail ( Sylvilagus floridanus ) T – A few around Albany and also in Minot.

Dogs ( Canidae ) Coyote (Canis latrans) T – A few seen in ND and MT. Red Fox ( Vulpes vulpes ) T – Seen from the train in MT and WA.

Seals (Phocidae) Harbor Seal ( Phoca vitulina ) T – Numerous around the Olympic Peninsula coastline.

Deer ( Cervidae ) White-tailed Deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ) T – Seen for the first nine days straight, from NY to MT. Mule Deer ( Odocoieus hemionus ) T – Three at Lostwood NWR, ND, and numerous in WA; those in ND were of the widespread Rocky Mountain subspecies, while those in WA were of the much darker Pacific “Black-tailed Deer”.

Pronghorn ( Antilocapridae) Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) T – Many seen from the train in MT.

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Porpoises ( Phocoenidae ) Harbor Porpoise ( Phocoena phocoena ) – Seen on both of our ferry crossings in WA.

REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS

Water Turtles ( Emydidae ) “Eastern” Painted Turtle ( Chrysemys picta picta ) T – Several in ND.

Colubrids ( Colubridae ) Smooth Green Snake ( Opheodrys vernalis ) – One at North Manitou School Section in ND.

Salamanders & Newts ( Salamandridae ) Eastern Newt ( Notophthalmus viridescens ) – We saw the land-dwelling juvenile stage (“Red Eft”) at the Adirondack League Club.

Toads ( Bufonidae ) American Toad (Bufo americanus) – One at Ferd’s Bog, NY.

Treefrogs & Allies (Hylidae ) Northern Gray Treefrog ( Hyla versicolor ) – Heard at the Adirondack League Club. Spring Peeper ( Pseudacris crucifer ) – Heard at several locations in the Adirondacks. Boreal Chorus Frog ( Pseudacris maculata ) – Heard at several pothole marshes in ND.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 33 Birding Across America by Train, 2019 True Frogs ( Ranidae ) Bullfrog ( Lithobates catesbeianus ) – Heard at Five Rivers, NY. Green Frog ( Rana clamitans ) – Seen at Sagamore Road Bog, and heard at several other locations in the Adirondacks. Mink Frog ( Rana septentrionalis ) – Heard at Brown’s Tract Boardwalk. Northern Leopard Frog ( Lithobates pipiens ) – Seen at Sagamore Road Bog.

BUTTERFLIES

Swallowtails ( Papilionidae ) Black Swallowtail ( Papilio polyxenes ) – North Dakota Canadian Tiger Swallowtail ( Papilio canadensis ) – North Dakota Eastern Tiger Swallowtail ( Papilio glaucus ) – New York Western Tiger Swallowtail ( Papilio rutulus ) T – Washington

Whites & Sulphurs (Pieridae ) Mustard White ( Pieris oleracea ) – New York Cabbage White (Pieris rapae ) T – New York, North Dakota, Washington Clouded Sulphur (Colias philodice ) – New York, North Dakota

Gossamer-wing Butterflies ( Lycaenidae ) Spring Azure ( Celastrina ladon ) – New York Eastern Tailed-Blue ( Cupido comyntas ) – New York Greenish Blue ( Plebejus saepiolus ) – North Dakota

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 34 Birding Across America by Train, 2019 Brushfoots ( Nymphalidae ) Mourning Cloak ( Nymphalis antiopa ) – New York Gorgone Checkerspot ( Chlosyne gorgone ) – North Dakota Red Admiral ( Vanessa atalanta ) – New York, North Dakota Lorquin’s Admiral ( Limenitis lorquini ) – Washington American Lady ( Vanessa virginiensis ) – New York Painted Lady ( Vanessa cardui ) – North Dakota Common Ringlet ( Coenonympha tullia ) – North Dakota Uhler’s Arctic ( Oeneis uhleri ) – North Dakota Monarch ( Danaus plexippus ) – New York

Skippers ( Hesperidae ) Juvenal’s Duskywing ( Erynnis juvenalis ) – North Dakota

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