Mariton: Tuesday Birds

by Tim Burris, Preserve Manager

The rain ended just in time for our bird walk on Tuesday.  It wasn’t a spectacular birding morning, but it was a good chance to hear some of the bird songs that we haven’t heard for a few months.  Cardinals, Catbirds and Red-bellied Woodpeckers were in the background most of the morning.

The Wood Thrushes were singing loudly, which made the walk worthwhile.  The Ovenbirds were the most vocal that I have heard this spring.  Scarlet Tanagers and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were also singing during a lot of the walk. 

We heard Black and White Warblers most of the morning.  We also heard a Worm-eating Warbler along the Main Trail.  When we got to the meadows we heard Common Yellowthroats and a Blue-winged Warbler.  We also heard the Great-crested Flycatcher, the first of the season for me.  The Eastern Towhees were singing around the meadow.  A male bluebird was also in the meadow perched on a box. 

At the end of the walk we heard a Yellow-throated Vireo and saw an Eastern Phoebe.  Mornings like this really emphasize why learning bird songs is helpful.  The mist and fog made finding birds very difficult.  Next week, we will be headed to Giving Pond.  This is a great bird destination with lots of variety.  We will meet at the Nature Center at 7:30 a.m. and car pool, or you can meet us at the location around 8:00 a.m.