Mariton: A Fun Find

by Tim Burris, Preserve Manager.  Photos by Carole Mebus, Volunteer.

Common Yellowthroat

We went to an old favorite for the Bird Club’s most recent walk.  We were greeted with Ovenbirds singing as we got out of the cars.  Later down the trail we changed habitats and started hearing Indigo Buntings, Eastern Towhees and Common Yellowthroats which reflect the transition to an early successional forest.

Red-headed Woodpecker

We also found Red-headed Woodpeckers.  This species has somewhat specific habitat preferences.  Where those habitats abound they can be common, but otherwise it can be a tough bird to find.  It definitely made everyone’s day to see them on our last field trip of the season.

Cedar Waxwing

From there we transitioned to a wettish mixed habitat and got some great looks at Cedar Waxwings and Yellow Warblers and Red-winged Blackbirds.

Red-winged Blackbirds

Red-winged Blackbirds are pretty common in wet habitats and often get overlooked by birders.  I grew up near a marsh and the konk-a-ree of Redwings was part of my summer soundtrack.  We often check them off quickly on a bird walk, but I encourage readers to sit down by a swamp and just watch them.  The females look very different and have their own understated beauty.  Just watching why the males show off or hide their epaulets is worth a few minutes of your day.