July 26, 2026: Beginning Birding: The Red-eyed Vireo
In this month’s episode of “Beginning Birding” we focus on the Red-eyed Vireo! A small group of bird-curious folks gathered at the Ayurvedic Wellness Center to learn more about this beloved species, and to go for a hike through Kleinstuck Preserve where this bird is often seen and heard.
We took time to introduce ourselves to one another. Seth provided context for the hike, noting time of year, time of day, and relationship to the timing of migration; all factors that influence how many and what types of birds we may encounter during our morning in the woods.
We also spent time learning about the Red-eyed Vireo specifically. Seth taught on the size and shape of the bird, its colors and patterns, behavior, and habitat. All of these characteristics are crucial when trying to identify a bird observed in the wild, and Seth gave tips and tricks on what to look for, and how to use a field guide.
After the pre-hike briefing, we stepped outside into the parking lot where we took time to pause. We engaged in mindful breathing, and allowed ourselves drop whatever it was in that moment that was keeping us from being present. From this point forward, until the end of the hike, the goal was to use our senses to attune to the environment, and notice.
Once we entered the preserve, we spotted many resident birds; American Robins, Tufted Titmice, Black-capped Chickadees, and Northern Cardinals. It was noted that the energy of the birds seemed uneasy, like there was a threat, or a situation nearby. The birds weren’t singing, rather, the calls they were making were rather harsh, and their movements were quick.
A few moments later, the shriek of a Broad-winged Hawk pierced the forest.
We continued our hike, trekking to the cement bench which overlooks the marsh, facing southeast. Over the marsh we practiced noticing unique characteristics of the birds we caught in our binoculars. One great example of a size and shape characteristic that we noticed that helped us to identify a bird was the beak of the Red-winged Blackbird. Although the male and female look drastically different in terms of color and patterns, the shape and size of the bill is nearly identical. It's this careful observation in the field that lends the curious birder a hint towards positive identification.
After spending a few more still moments overlooking the marsh, we decided to head back. The hike was winding down, and we weren’t expecting to see much more, until… right in front of us, a Red-tailed Hawk! This hawk was perched on a log on the ground just a few feet in front of us, and when he took flight, flew within arms reach of us! It was an extremely close encounter with a bird of prey; something I’ve never experienced before in all my years of birding.
And if that wasn’t enough, after flying to a nearby low-hanging branch, he was dive-bombed and attacked by a Broad-winged Hawk! This encounter fully captivated us, and we watched in awe for the next few minutes as the Red-tailed Hawk continued to get harassed and attacked. It was quite the scene! You could also hear both species of hawk vocalizing to each other as they struggled.
The spectacle even caught the attention of a small group of runners who stopped to see what the fuss was all about. After a few moments, the hawks flew off towards the west end of the marsh, and we decided to return to base. It’s my suspicion that, since the Broad-winged Hawks had nested in Kleinstuck Preserve this spring, that they were defending their territory against this intruder.
Secondary flight feather from a Red-tailed Hawk. This feather fell from the Red-tailed Hawk once he was attacked by the Broad-winged Hawk.
We made it back to the wellness center, carrying this experience with us. It was an eye-opening experience, to practice listening to the forest, wondering what the birds are communicating to us. In this case, the high-strung energy we sensed upon entering the forest was likely due to a few different species of hawks in the area.
Next time you go birding, wither by yourself or with Birds with Seth, I encourage you to tune in to the bird chatter, listen in, and sense what the birds are saying. Are they singing love songs? Are the communicating to a nearby mate? Are the upset, or perhaps scolding someone? You may be surprised what you pick up on!
As always, thank you to those who attended this hike. If you wish to view our full checklist of bird species we observed on this hike, click here.
Until next time, happy birding!
You simply will not find a better pair of binoculars at this pricepoint!
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Each pair of binoculars comes with:
Binocular harness
Comfort neck strap
Tethered objective lens covers
Rainguard eyepiece cover
Lens cloth
Unlimited, unconditional, lifetime warranty
If you’re looking for a pair of binoculars that are ideal for those who wear glasses, and have more capability birding in low-light conditions, with upgraded glass, check out the Vortex Viper HD 8×42 Binoculars.
Birds with Seth is an official Vortex Optics dealer. You will not find a better price online, as these are sold at MAP (minimum advertised pricing). If you do find these binoculars listed for a lesser price, please contact me at seth@birdswithseth.com so that we adjust pricing accordingly.
Unless backordered, orders will dropship with FREE SHIPPING via directly from Vortex Optics, typically within 24 hours from date of purchase.
If you’re curious about what animals can teach you, or are seeking support from the natural world, this deck is for you!
Animal Medicine Cards have helped guide my journey, providing powerful insight and perspective around some of life’s questions. This deck has found its way into the hearts and hands of many, guiding the way to healing the body, emotions, mind, and spirit, and providing insight into and understand of one's unique purpose in life.
This unique and powerful divination system draws upon ancient wisdom and tradition to teach the healing medicine of animals through the lens of sacred Native American traditions. These teachings have been handed down from many elders in the Choctaw, Lakota, Seneca, Aztec, Yaqui, Cheyenne, Cherokee, Iroquois, and Mayan traditions.
This 52-card deck includes a 246 guidebook.
Created by Jamie Sams and David Carson, with illustrations by Angela C. Werneke.
A must-have for birders of all ages!
Written and illustrated by David Allen Sibley, this guide details 27 species of eagles, hawks, falcons, kites, vultures, and harriers- both common and exotic- found east of the Rockies.
This guide includes captions which capture the gestalt of each species, detailed range maps, both in-flight and perched illustrations, and special in-flight illustration panels that show relative sizes.
This field guide is very durable, waterproof, and measures 4”x9”.
These unique journals feature the Black-capped Chickadee and their delightful “chicka-dee-dee-dee-dee” song that we so often associate with the approaching spring.
Each journal is crafted with care from repurposed, thrifted, lined paper by a local artist in Kalamazoo. Created with both sustainability and creativity in mind, they are perfect for birding notes, sketches, or even keeping a life list or yard list!
Measures 5.5” x 3.5”
