The Dawn Chorus at White River Marsh State Wildlife Area
(photo credit: Tom Schultz)
Saturday, May 1st, our group of 22 gathered in The White River Marsh State Wildlife Area around 5:00 AM. Compared to the temperatures of the week leading up to our trip, it felt chilly. The temperature started out at about 42 degrees with moderate winds out of the south and southwest around 15-25 mph and mostly to partly cloudy skies.
After our early morning greetings and roll call, we headed down the gravel roadbed for a walk and to listen to the dawn chorus. Along the way, we heard a handful of Virginia Rails and Soras. Swamp Sparrows sang their best musical trills and a few Greater Yellowlegs alarmed the marsh to our presence as we passed by. A couple of American Bittern were heard “pumping” off in the distance and Sandhill Cranes were heard in unison. Red-winged Blackbirds, Sedge Wrens, Common Yellowthroat, Northern Waterthrush, and Yellow Warblers joined the symphony while a Whooping Crane’s bugle and a Barred Owl’s bark exchanged solos over the rhythm.
After sunrise, Wood Ducks and Blue-winged Teal were seen flying around the marsh. Great Blue Herons and a Great Egret also made a pass. Some raptors joined the display and a few Northern Harriers gave good looks as well as Bald Eagles soaring about.
Five species of woodpeckers were found, including Downy, Hairy, Pileated, Northern Flicker, and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. Brown Thrasher, Eastern Towhee and White-throated Sparrows were also found and additional warbler species included Palm and Nashville. Three Wilson’s Snipe also flew past near the end of our walk.
Upon arriving back to our vehicles, we were treated to chocolate croissants, lemon bars, and cookies a few people had brought to help celebrate Marilyn Bontly’s birthday weekend. Marilyn is a long time WSO member and a staple on our field trips.
We finished our treats and shortly after departing, a Yellow-throated Vireo was heard in the trees along the road. We stopped to try and get a look but were not successful. A Black-and-white Warbler, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, a couple of Purple Finches, and some Ruby-crowned Kinglets were found however.
Continuing on, we headed towards the White River bridge on Cty D and along the way we added an Eastern Meadowlark to our list. Wild Turkey were also spotted in the field and Turkey Vultures were seen soaring above. It was pretty windy and slow at the bridge but a female Purple Finch was found high in the tree tops and a Black-throated Green Warbler was heard.
Our next stop was the Whooping Crane pen entrance road. Sheltered partially from the wind, this turned out to be a majority of the attendees' first real exciting warbler action of the spring. A mixed flock was relatively cooperative overhead. A brilliant male Blackburnian Warbler gave some good views, as well as Orange-crowned, Black-and-white, Yellow-rumped, and Pine Warblers. A Blue-headed Vireo joined them and a few more Ruby-crowned Kinglets.
In Search of Spring Warblers
(photo credit: Tom Schultz)
Following a bathroom break in Princeton, our next stop was Lake Puckaway. At the boat landing, some shorebirds could be seen on the edge of the island to the east. Lesser Yellowlegs, a couple of Spotted, and one Solitary Sandpiper were observed. Forster’s Terns were flying in the distance and a Common Tern was eventually picked out as well. Purple Martins, Tree Swallows, and Barn Swallows were acrobatically foraging above the water. A lone Yellow-headed Blackbird perched in the distance and was able to be viewed nicely through our spotting scopes.
Birding the Lake Puckaway Boat Landing
(photo credit: Tom Schultz)
Our next stop at Lake Maria County Park produced a fair amount of waterfowl for the group. American Wigeon, Bufflehead, Green-winged Teal, Lesser Scaup, Common and Red-breasted Merganser, as well as several flocks of Ruddy Ducks provided a nice assortment. Pied-billed Grebe and a Bonaparte’s Gull were also added to our list.
Our last stop was the pond nearby on Lake Maria Road. Winds were still strong, but the sun was out and the temperature had risen to 77 degrees. A dozen Northern Pintails, some Northern Shovelers, and a large flock of Lapland Longspurs were the highlight. Considering how spotty the migration has been, we ended up with a pretty decent total species count (mid 90’s) for the day, including 11 warblers. Thanks to everyone who came out and to Tom Schultz and Jeff Baughman for helping lead the trip. Good Birding!
