I began my weekly spring walks in the Dismal Swamp
over a week ago following a month-long birding adventure to Thailand and
Burma. After only one delightful walk, the rains came.
Today, I resumed those walks on this absolutely gorgeous day. During this
trip I walked south from five-points intersection parking lot along Jericho
Ditch past the dogleg for another half mile, and returned by the same
route. I started at 7:15 am and returned by noon. The warblers
recorded with their numbers in parentheses and in the order in which I saw them
were as follows: Common Yellowthroat (19), Prairie Warbler (13), Hooded
Warbler (2), Ovenbird (14), Prothonotary Warbler (14), Swainson's Warbler (2),
Black-and-white Warbler (6), Worm-eating Warbler (8), Pine Warbler (2),
Louisiana Waterthrush (2), Yellow-rumped Warbler (3), Northern Waterthrush
(1). The Swainson's Warbler was about half way to the dogleg. It was
singing lustily and was observed as it crossed the road.
Butterflies with numbers in parentheses included:
Zebra Swallowtail (26), E. Tiger Swallowtail (15), Palomedes Swallowtail (1),
Spring Azure (25), Juvenal's Duskywing (5), Henry's Elfin (1), Falcalte
Orangetip (2). On my previous trip April 3 I recorded several Sleepy
Orange which I did not see today.
The bird of the day was a Wild Turkey first seen
several hundred yards north of five points along Jericho Ditch. As I
walked south it seemed to be following. It crossed five points and
continued south until it was no more than fifty yards away. When I passed
the dogleg, it was still following. Eventually it turned aside and walked
off into the swamp.
I enjoy company on my walks. They are usually
on Thursday, weather permitting, and I'm generally walking by 7:00 am. If
you'd like to join me, let me know offline and I'll look out for you.
By the way! When I got home, a thirsty
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (first for the year) was at our feeder. I hadn't
seen one in the swamp.
Cheers,
Bob Ake
--- Robert Ake
--- akeneff@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
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