Mariton: More Great Birds

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

We went to Merrill Creek on Tuesday for another great bird outing, and Carole took some great photos. While we saw several species that we have seen before this season, the songs are being remembered and we are getting better looks.  We have a lot of fun on these walks, and we all learn from each other.

Baltimore Oriole

We have been seeing Baltimore Orioles almost every walk. There are more Orioles around than most people realize.  How could such a brilliant bird be so hard to see?  Easy – at least for an Oriole, but when you learn the song you realize they are there, and then you look for them.

Common Yellowthroat

Common Yellowthroats can be a challenge to see until they start raising their young. (They become much more viewable on our butterfly walks.)  This is another bird that is seen more often when one learns the song.  Common Yellowthroats don’t look common, and travel a long way to stay in our area during the summer.

Chestnut-sided Warbler

We had our best looks at the Chestnut-sided Warblers on Tuesday. With its brilliant yellow helmet and chestnut sides it is another stunner worth looking for.  Nest week is our last bird walk for the season, and then we will switch to butterflies on Tuesdays.