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Mariton: Another Tuesday Bird Walk

May 26, 2015

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

Last week, we ventured to northern New Jersey for the Tuesday bird walk.  We had to drive through rain and fog to get there, but once we arrived the day just got better and better.  Everyone got to see a Yellow-throated Vireo (which are easier heard than seen).  This was a great place to learn the song of the Least Flycatcher.  The Least is one of the 5 Empidonax Flycatchers that are virtually identical.  Habitat can be a clue, but hearing them is the only way to be sure which species you have.  (The Least says “che-BEK”).  We heard lots of Wood Thrushes, Ovenbirds,  and Red-eyed Vireos.  There was a load of different warbler species including Black-throated Green, Parula and Black and White.

Here are just a few of the birds that Carole captured with her camera up close:

Black and White Warbler singing

Black and White Warbler singing

This Indigo Bunting was brilliant and perched in the wide open.

This Indigo Bunting was brilliant, and perched in the wide open.

This Scarlet Tanager was so scarlet that we weren't sure it was real at first.

This Scarlet Tanager was so scarlet that we weren’t sure it was real at first.

Notice how this Prairie Warbler is perched on the tips of pine needles.

Notice how this Prairie Warbler is perched on the tips of pine needles.

A big thank you to Bill and Sharon for suggesting that we visit this area.  It was worth the drive for the variety of birds and the beautiful scenery.