PARIS – During the Western Foothills Birdathon on May 19, a small group of birders set out to identify as many birds as possible over a three-hour period.

The walk was shortened because of the inclement weather, but the group still managed to get its average of 47 species.

Included in the count were seven species of warblers, one of which, the blackthroated blue, was identified by its song. Other highlights were bobolinks, a towhee and a three-toed woodpecker, a rarity in the area.

Ovenbird calls followed the birders everywhere they went. They also heard songs of the wood thrush, rosebreasted grosbeak and the tiny winter wren.

A northern harrier, a large hawk, was spotted gliding over a hayfield.