The seven of us gathered at Brison Park before 8:00am in a light fog. We had the place to ourselves. It was remarkable that we were only a five-minute walk from St. Thomas and a ten-minute walk from Kyle Field. Yet, in this secluded, deep, wooded glen we encountered a myriad of exquisite migrating songbirds.

In addition to many local birds and a few lingering winter birds (mostly Cedar Waxwings), the group saw several migrating birds including numerous Gray Catbirds as well as single sightings of Magnolia Warbler, American Redstart, Black-and-White Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Northern Parula and Baltimore Oriole.

The five casual birders were greatly aided by the two skilled guides, Jim Hughes and David Scott. Both could easily locate and identify birds hidden in the thicket by their calls and songs. Then, with skilled eyes, they spotted interesting birds and helped others to find and inspect each newly identified bird.

By 9:00 we were filled with the majesty of this isolated glen in the midst of College Station. We were warmed by the sun and the promise of a great Saturday and felt rewarded by our time together on this birding adventure.