everyone is a birder
When I stopped at this site for the first time, I was planning on just giving it a walkaround, maybe snapping a few photos and spotting a couple of birds. Two hours later, I was still captivated. In fact if it weren’t for the rain, I would have wandered the trails the whole afternoon.
And so, I want to take you through this site. Let me share with you what you’ll experience if you visit.
Welcome to this hidden gem: Lake Benson Park.
You can park on the side of a wide gravel road just past the entrance. At first glance, it may seem like a small, open greenway. Trees hug the road, creating a perfect opportunity for catching some song birds flying and foraging in the trees and in the grass.
After taking a right at the first fork, you’ll spot the first numbered bird house. You’ll see these scattered throughout the park, and they’ll surely be occupying many new families during the peak of nesting season.
Like I said, they’re everywhere. My favorite was the one tucked away in the cove by the lake.
And even if you don’t see any residents in these houses, you’ll likely spot countless infatuated Bluebird couples while starting down the trail.
You’ll pass shelters, playgrounds, dog parks, and picnic areas, and as you go into the trees, you’ll meet a nice surprise: a charming little gathering space on the way to the lake, featuring several beautiful wooden statues.
Then the setting will shift. For me, the essence of wilderness reminded me of my childhood adventures at summer camp.
Dirt paths will narrow.
It might feel like you’re a controlled kind of lost, where you could wander father into the forest with each forked side trail. But not to worry. If you push away from the lake, it will only be a matter of time before you’re emptied back into the heart of the park.
If the birding is as good for you as it was for me, maybe you’ll add a new bird to your life list. I certainly did, thanks to the appearance of a tenacious Hairy Woodpecker. I even went to some out-there creative measures–using the magnify function on my viewfinder–to get a glimpse of her working up close:
After catching glimpses of the open lake and the hidden cove, you can head back towards the main greenway. Or, you can wander down one of the many marked trails. I just gave them a quick glance before carrying on, but they’re certainly full of birding potential.
As you meander towards the Garner Veterans Memorial, you’ll be among a variety of habitats. Keep an eye out for Song Sparrows flitting through the red leaves.
And maybe, if your experience is anything like mine, you’ll see two more woodpecker species. Perhaps you’ll catch a Downy and a stunning Red Bellied Woodpecker! Hopefully they linger for a moment before corkscrewing up the tree trunk.
The Memorial is a moving sight. It’s lined with bricks that host the names of fallen soldiers, grouped together by year. Proudly flanking the entrance of the park, it’s a great beginning or finale to a bird watching outing.
I hope that by the time you return to your car, you have an experience that surpassed your expectations for adventure and for birding. From wandering, to lake viewing, to picnicking, to dog walking, to playing, to of course birding, this site has it all.
I’m elated to discover that of all the birds I saw, I still didn’t even witness any that are—as of this date—noted on eBird as recently sighted birds in the area. Looks like Lake Benson is going to be receiving another visit from me.
So, have you visited Lake Benson Park in Garner recently? Are you planning on checking it out soon? I truly hope if you make it out there, your expectations are equally exceeded.
…And I hope you see as many different woodpecker species as I did!
Date: May 30, 2019
Time: 12:30pm-2:30pm
Birds (casually) ID’d: