Will Kerling reports: A delightful sunny Mother’s Day Walk was greeted by a male Kentucky Warbler singing a series of musical notes. Our first glimpse of the bird was among the leaves of the forest floor. The elusive singing bird was sighted in a small tree, before disappearing completely from view. We then headed down Tom Fields Road. The dirt road was alive with one-brooded spring butterflies, now almost gone for the year. Juvenal’s Duskywings were feeding on Oaks, female Horace’s Duskywings, a Sleepy Duskywing, Brown and Henry’s Elfins and Blueberry and Holly Azures were all active, closing out spring and leaving a new generation behind.
While watching butterflies, we saw a very cooperative male Scarlet Tanager and enjoyed background music from Ovenbirds, a Hooded Warbler, White-eyed Vireos, Great Crested Flycatcher, Tufted Titmouse and other birds from time to time.
Our walk eventually turned to the forest for a possible glimpse of a male Prothonotary Warbler at Savage Run. Immediately we were serenaded by Eastern Towhee, Worm-eating Warbler and a Yellow-throated Warbler. The Blue Corporal dragonfly with corporal stripes on its thorax, graced the trail to the creek. Upon arriving, a male Ruby-throated Hummingbird was perched on top of a dead pine tree. The male Prothonotary Warbler had been singing out even before we arrived at the creek and it continued for most of our visit. The bird was only seen for a few seconds a couple of times during the visit but it was a thrilling sight. Walking back through the forest we heard the Prothonotary Warbler sounding off at the creek once more. This journey afforded us great looks at Great Crested Flycatcher, Yellow-throated Warbler and a surprise sighting of two male Black-and-White Warblers.
Next Sunday this walk will have freshly emerged butterfly species, more flowering plants, and Ebony Jewelwing dragonflies. Hope to see you there.
