Beckham Bird Club - Louisville Birding

01/19/2026

One good tern (joke) deserves another

01/16/2026

Field trip tomorrow (Saturday, January 17) to Beckley Creek Park-Grand Alee has been cancelled due to the forecast for cold and windy conditions.

04/03/2024

Hoot! Hoot! Hooooot All About It!

It’s that time of the year! Can you believe it? The Bonnycastle Ave Barred Owl is sitting proudly on her nest at Cherokee Park! And guess what? She’s found herself a lovely new cozy home. Her original nest was filled with debris and leaves, so she decided to upgrade and get herself a new one. But don’t worry, she’s still very close to Bonnycastle. I’ll make sure to reach out to Cherokee Park or Louisville Parks and Recreation to see if they can clean out her usual nest for next year. I have a feeling her eggs have hatched because yesterday, after the rain, she was out, probably trying to dry off a bit. Her behavior strongly suggests that there are owlets in there. Congratulations, Bonnycastle, on another successful year!

03/31/2024

Hoot! Hoot! Hooooot All About It!

It’s that wonderful time of year! Barred Owls are nesting, and we are about to welcome some adorable owlets. Take a look at this absolutely stunning Barred Owl mother as she gracefully emerges from her cozy cavity at Putney’s Pond and Woodlands Park. She has been using this old tree as her nesting spot for countless years. If you’ve never had the pleasure of visiting Putney’s Pond and Woodlands Park, let me tell you, it is an absolute paradise. Prepare to be completely enchanted by this extraordinary place. Trust me, you’ll instantly fall head over heels in love with it.

03/31/2024

Happy Easter, avid birders! As spring blossoms and nature awakens, may your binoculars capture the vibrant colors of feathered wonders soaring through the skies. May your birdwatching adventures be filled with delightful melodies, as birds chirp joyfully to celebrate this special season. May every sighting bring you closer to the beauty of the natural world and fill your hearts with wonder and appreciation. Wishing you a delightful Easter, where every bird you spot becomes a symbol of hope, renewal, and the endless possibilities that lie ahead. Happy birding and a very happy Easter to you!

03/30/2024

The Great Egrets have returned! Oh my goodness, guess what? On Tuesday, March 19, the very first one of the year showed up at Cave Hill Cemetery, perched on a snag at the rock quarry. Can you believe it? Just take a look at this absolutely stunning bird. And you know what's even more exciting? As the mating season approaches, the patch of skin between the eye and the bill, known as the lores, changes color from yellow to a vibrant, bright green. Isn't that amazing? This color transformation happens to both the males and females, and it lasts for about a whole month. It's like they're putting on their own makeup, it's so adorable! I totally understand why the National Audubon Society chose this species as its symbol. They are truly something to be celebrated!

03/30/2024

Hoot! Hoot! Hooooot All About It!

Hey, guess what? It’s that time of year again! The nesting season for the Barred Owls has arrived. And let me tell you, it’s quite a sight to see. Take a look at this gorgeous Barred Owl mother, still faithfully perched on her nest in a dead tree at Waverly Park. You know, it’s not just the Screech Owls that rely on these dead trees, but also our beloved Barred Owls. It’s fascinating how crucial these dead trees are for nature, isn’t it? I genuinely believe that more and more people are starting to appreciate their true importance. But as for Thursday, March 21, the day that I stopped by, she was still on the nest. But in a week or two, she will have owlets.

03/30/2024

Lovely article in the NY Times that encapsulates the allure of birds and birding.

To find the birds, you have to know them.

03/30/2024

Hoot! Hoot! Hooooot All About It!

My conversation with Teresa Coop on Wednesday, March 20 regarding the Great Horned Owl nesting in her backyard from Joe Creason Park was absolutely delightful! She introduced me to the Jim King Trail, a charming path in their neighborhood. During my first stroll on this trail, guess what? I happened to spot a lone Barred Owl perched on a lamb! Can you believe it? This sighting, at this time of year, suggests that there’s a nearby nest with the male owl protecting it. And right next to him, there stands a picturesque Sycamore Tree. As the male owl started to emit hooting sounds, I could hear the female owl responding from one of the tree’s hollows. Oh, the romance in the air! I quickly hid behind a shrub to witness the magic unfold. Suddenly, the female owl emerged from the cavity, completely oblivious to my presence, and flew directly towards the male. They exchanged a passionate kiss, and then she took a moment to relieve herself (nature calls, right?), before gracefully retreating back to the cavity. This incredible occurrence indicates that soon enough, we’ll have adorable owlets to marvel at. Isn’t it amazing? But wait, there’s more! This owl pair actually resides beside the Louisville Zoo, right across from the Louisville Nature Center, where another pair of Barred Owls also lives. How fascinating is that? It’s a whole community of owls! This discovery is completely mind-blowing to me. And let me tell you, it’s not just about the owls. While exploring the Jim King Trail in the Towne Orchard neighborhood, I had the pleasure of meeting some truly remarkable individuals. I had a lovely conversation with a couple who shared some fascinating insights about the area. And that’s not all! I also had the honor of meeting the father and son owners of the Llama farm located on the opposite side of the creek. Towne Orchard is truly blessed with an abundance of nature that its people can take immense pride in. Not only do they have a nesting Great Horned Owl couple, but also a Barred Owl couple in their neighborhood. Can you believe it? It’s simply astonishing! But let me tell you, the ultimate excitement is yet to come!