M.B. Johnson Park has open grassy areas, a river, wooded areas with mature trees and undergrowth, and a marshy area with standing water and cat-tails.
There is a wide cement path that loops through the park, about half of which runs alongside the wooded parts of the park. The marshy area of the park has flat cut grass around most it it that looks like it would be accessible to wheelchairs. This location seems to be the type of birding area Birdability is interested in. "Birdability works to ensure the birding community and the outdoors are welcoming, inclusive, safe and accessible for everybody. We focus on people with mobility challenges, blindness or low vision, chronic illness, intellectual or developmental disabilities, mental illness, and those who are neurodivergent, deaf or hard of hearing or who have other health concerns. In addition to current birders, we strive to introduce birding to people with disabilities and other health concerns who are not yet birders so they too can experience the joys of birding." From (
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If you are wondering about the birds you might see while visiting you are in luck. The Parks Dept. has a sign with this information on it. In addition to color photos, the sign has the following information:
Birds at MB Johnson Park
Characteristics of our Winged Friends
Brown-headed cowbird
Best noted as a parasite; they lay their eggs in nests of other songbirds, leaving the host species to raise their young. Combined with the more important fact of habitat loss, this species has resulted in the decline of other songbirds. They are identified by their black bodies and brown heads.
American goldfinch
A common bird in most of the United States, the American goldfinch is a yellow bird with black wings, tail and cap. Its rump and undertail are white. Its distinctive flight call of “per-pe-po-pip”, so make sure to listen. They can often be found at bird feeders and be seen flying among the trees.
Rose-breasted grosbeak
A large songbird of the northern forest, they have a very unique plumage. The pink breast contrasts with the white and black. Note its large heavy bill, it’s characteristic of all grosebeaks. Look for it in the wooded areas along the river.
Song sparrow
A common sparrow in the area, the song sparrow has a brown and black streaked back ad black/brown and white streaked breast. It has a spot of dark color in the middle of its breast. Look for this sparrow in treed areas along the river; it will be foraging on the ground or in low-lying shrubs.
Chipping sparrow
This sparrow is easily identified by its chestnut crown, white eyestripe black line that extends from its bill to the back of its head. Listen for its rapid trill “chip” notes.
Yellow warbler
One of the most common warblers in the United States it the yellow warbler. All yellow with reddish/brown streaks on its breast, it also has a dark eye. A good vocalist as all warblers are, listen for its “sweet” song. It prefers riparian habitat, so look for it among the mature deciduous trees along the river.
Baltimore oriole
A striking songbird of the eastern United States, the Baltimore oriole has an all black head and black on the upper part of its back with a contrasting bright orange rump and underside. It also has a line of white on its wing. It is noted for its musical song. Look for it in the wooded areas.
White-breasted nuthatch
Another common year-round resident. The black on their head extends down their neck giving the appearance of a hood. They feed on insects found in tree bark and are defined by their frequent head down search for them. Listen for repeated nasal
Grey catbird
A very distinctive songbird of the eastern and west-central part of the United States, the grey catbird is characterized by their gray bodies, tall and cap of black. They can be found fluttering and feeding in the underbrush and shrub layer of forested and riparian areas. Catbirds are in a group of birds known as mimics. Not as well known as their mockingbird cousins, they will imitate other bird’s songs. However, they are most likely to make their customary catlike “meow’ [unknown word].
Red-winged blackbird
This blackbird is easily recognized by its gurgling and trill song. It has an all black body with bright red shoulders patches tipped with yellow. Common in any area near water, they are primarily found in marshes and sloughs. Look for them by the wetland and in MB Johnson Park.
American redstart
A bright species of warbler, it is characterized by its all black body and patches of orange on its side wings and tail. A common woodland bird in the eastern and northern Unted States. It can be seen moving through shrub layers and trees along the river.
Black-capped chickadee
One of the hardiest and most common songbirds, the black-capped chickadee is a year-round resident. They are known as feeder birds as well as woodland species. They are most known for the black cap and clack chin. Look for them at the feeders of in the trees.
Spotted sandpiper
The sandpiper is a widespread shorebird throughout most of the U.S. It is brown barred above and white with brown spots below and orange bill. Look for it, usually alone, actively feeding and making quick flights along the riverbank.
Tree swallow
Swallows are characterized by their slender bodies with long, pointed wings. They are truly acrobatic, feeding with dart-like movements in mid-air. Look for them in their nest holes in dead trees along the riverbank.
Coopers hawk
This bird belongs to a group of hawks called Accipiters. Accipiters are characterized from other hawks by their long tails and short rounded wings. They prey on songbirds in forests, while sticking to bird feeders in town. A coopers hawk has a rufous-streaked breast and a dark blue-grey overall back. Look for them perched in dense trees along the river.
Downy and Hairy woodpeckers
These two woodpeckers are very similar in plumage and behavior. Some experience and perhaps a guidebook in the field. They are best identified with vocalizations, the downy call is higher-pitched “pic” while the hairy has a loud sharp “peak”. Both plumages are similar, the downy is generally smaller with a short bill. The hairy is larger with a bill that is nearly as long as its head. Look for them pecking on trees along the river.
Least flycatcher
This bird belongs to a group of flycatchers called the Empidonax, or known to birdwatchers as empids”. They are difficult to identify by sight alone; often they are identified by sound. Its gray back, white under parts and cream-colored wingbars are its most distinctive features. Look for it perched in low branches along the riverbank or fluttering in the air as it picks insects from midair.
Belted kingfisher
This distinctive bird is characterized by its large bill and head, short legs, crest and blue plumage that contrasts with its belly and chin of white, which forms a “belt” along its chest. The kingfisher hunts for fish along rivers and lakes. Listen for their “rattle” call. They dive like an arrow, head first when hunting prey. Look for them flying along the riverbanks or perched in low hanging branches.
Did You Know?
The Red River riparian area provides food, shelter, water and space which are the four basic needs of wildlife.