Guide to the Cultural and Natural History
of the Four Soldiers Path
Common Birds Along the Path
You may have to work to spot some of
our summer songbirds, but it is always worth
it to catch a glimpse of these colorful tropical migrants.
Of the approximately 170 bird
species recorded in Randolph over the years, 75 are most likely
to be seen along the Four Soldiers Path and around the Pond of
Safety. Some of these are year-round residents, such as the black-capped
chickadee. Others are seen mostly in late winter or early spring,
such as pine grosbeaks and redpolls. Birds such as the broadwing
hawk or the golden eagle are most always seen soaring, while
the ovenbird or ruffed grouse are seen (or heard) generally resting
right on terra firma. You may have to work to spot some of our
melodious summer warblers, but it is always worth it to catch
a glimpse of these colorful tropical migrants. Regardless of
the species, most do not make their presence readily known. The
gregarious blue jays, crows, and chickadees are exceptions. Patience,
a pair of binoculars, and an attentive ear will reap rewards
for even the casual visitor.
Deciding what kind of bird you’ve
spotted or heard can be a challenge. It is not the purpose of
this guide to serve as a key to identification. A good bird book,
such as National Geographic, Sibley’s, or Peterson’s,
is invaluable; however, the following list does identify the
most likely candidates. In a few seasons of casual birding, familiarity
with many of the birds along the Four Soldiers Path is a realistic
expectation.
The list (below) of the area’s
most common birds indicates where each bird is likely to be found.
Please remember though that the first rule of birding states
that there are exceptions to every rule. Some species are likely
to be found in more than one of the areas noted below.
Many thanks go to Brad Meiklejohn,
for his fine document, “Natural Features Inventory for
Randolph, NH,” printed in March of 1994. The following
list was gleaned from the results of Brad’s hard work. The
categorizations are the editor’s.
Species likely to be seen near Pond
of Safety or by streams and wetlands –
Great Blue Heron
Green-backed Heron
Mallard
American Black Duck
Common Merganser
Common Yellowthroat
Red-winged Blackbird
Spotted Sandpiper
Veery
Belted Kingfisher
Willow Flycatcher
Alder Flycatcher
Common Loon
Species likely to be seen in the forest
canopy or understory –
Eastern Wood Peewee
Black-capped Chickadee
White-breasted Nuthatch
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue-headed Vireo (formerly named
Solitary Vireo)
Black-throated Green Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Magnolia Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Northern Parula
Canada Warbler
American Redstart
American Tree Sparrow
Brown-headed Cowbird
Scarlet Tanager
Species likely to be seen near the forest
floor –
Spruce Grouse (higher elevations)
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Winter Wren
Gray Catbird
American Robin
Hermit Thrush
Veery
Wood Thrush
Northern Waterthrush
Ovenbird
Species likely to be seen in high or
low flight –
Turkey Vulture
Bald Eagle
Broad-winged Hawk
Herring Gull
Chimney Swift
Tree Swallow
Common Raven
Species likely to be seen in thin stands
or near forest openings, in flight, on ground, or perched –
Sharp-shinned Hawk
American Kestrel
Red-tailed Hawk
Wild Turkey
Mourning Dove
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Least Flycatcher
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Eastern Phoebe
Eastern Kingbird
Blue Jay
American Crow
Eastern Bluebird
Cedar Waxwing (often in flocks)
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Black and White Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow (learn this song!)
Song Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Bobolink
American Goldfinch
Purple Finch
House Finch
Pine Siskin
Evening Grosbeak
Yellow-rumped warbler
European Starling
Species likely to be seen in winter
or early spring –
Ruffed Grouse
Gray Jay
Brown Creeper
Black-capped Chickadee
Golden-crowned Kinglet
White-winged Crossbill
Common Redpoll
Red-winged Blackbird
Turkey Vulture
Northern Cardinal
Most often heard or seen at night or
dusk –
American Woodcock
Northern Saw-whet Owl
Barred Owl
Great Horned Owl
Whip-poor-will
