This morning was foggy and cooler (yay!) when eight of us walked the Lower Nine Mile Run Trail.

We started at Duck Hollow but the river was very high after heavy rains — 0.82 inches on Saturday — and there were few birds there. Our walk along the Nine Mile Run Trail was more productive.

Best Birds were lots of indigo buntings and American goldfinches, a big flock of mourning doves, an American kestrel, and an immature red-tailed hawk.  Two male indigo buntings chased near us.  So blue!

Best Animal was found by our youngest participant — a land snail.  Look at his tiny antennae next to her fingertip.

Thanks to all for coming and for being such good spotters of birds and wildlife.

My next walk will be August 28 at Schenley Park; meet at the Visitors Center.

(photos by Kate St. John)