Thomas H. Burbine Sr. Memorial Forest

 

Although it is often birded by others, I had never visited, even though it is close to home, adjacent to another spot we frequently visit, and easily accessible. Last week I decided to give it a try.

Before I was even out of the car, while I was still looping camera and binocular straps around my neck, I counted birds singing in every direction. Crossing the wide, well-graveled parking lot I heard more Red-breasted Nuthatches than I have ever encountered at one time before. Blackburnian Warblers sang softly all around me. A Pine Warbler slurred its gentle, junco-like song from the underbrush.

Although the easy trails were not extensive, the open pine forest with little understory was not unlike a cathedral, almost silent except for the bird song. I think I missed a lot, not knowing where to go. 

I hadn't gone more than a few yards before I heard a singing Hermit Thrush, a bird that had eluded me in our home county this year up until that point. Because the big trees muffled most of the traffic noise I was able to record even a very vocal Brown Creeper, and Golden-crowned Kinglets were easily heard.

The forest would be beautiful, even without the plethora of lovely singers, but the birds do add a delightful dimension. I look forward to returning, especially maybe next spring during warbler migration. Spectacular habitat for anything that likes tall evergreens. I'll bet there are owls there!

I knew Tom and liked him a lot. He gave me a deer foot fern once because I admired one in his office...that was just the kind of man he was. I am glad to have visited this forest tribute to him.