Today I took the first of my spring walks in the Great Dismal Swamp NWR. I
know it seems early, but with global warming one never knows what might pop up.
I was joined by Renee Hudgins at 8:00 am at the Jericho Lane parking area. We
walked north and discovered that the path along Jericho Ditch has been cleared
north of Williamson Ditch all the way to the railroad. So we took advantage of
that opening and visited the northwest section which includes a nice wet area
under the power line. There was also a very impressive beaver dam with a
substantial amount of water behind it. North of the dam the water in Jericho
Ditch flows north, while the flow south of Williamson Ditch is to the south.
In summary let me say that no migrants were seen or heard. The best
sighting was of a nice flock of about 200 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS that were squeaking
away in the wet area near the power line. They were mostly males and all were
in black plumage with no residue of the "rusty" feathers which give them their
name. They were feeding on the ground quite close to us, but stayed hidden
until they flew up and away.
Very few Yellow-rumped Warblers were encountered unlike at my home where
the warbler activity has really picked up during the last week.
The Red Maples and Bald Cypress flowers were out and added a little hint of
spring. Spring peepers were in good voice and one Green Frog was heard. No
butterflies flew even though the temperature got up to 50F.
The list of species is relatively short so I'll just give the whole thing
in the order in which I saw them. Carolina Wren 5, White-breasted Nuthatch 3,
Eastern Towhee 3, Wood Duck 5, Common Grackle 8, Carolina Chickadee 3, Pileated
Woodpecker 2, Northern Flicker 2, Grey Catbird 2, Great Blue Heron 2,
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1, Eastern Phoebe 1, Downy Woodpecker 1, Turkey Vulture
11, Black Vulture 2, Blue Jay 2, Hairy Woodpecker 2, Belted Kingfisher 2,
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2, Red-shouldered Hawk 3, Rusty Blackbird 200, Song
Sparrow 7, Swamp Sparrow 2, White-throated Sparrow 9, Winter Wren 1, Tufted
Titmouse 1, Yellow-rumped Warbler 4, Pine Warbler 1, American Robin 32.
My next walk in the swamp will be Wednesday, March 2 and will step off from
the Jericho Lane parking lot at 7:45 am. Please join me if you'd like. No
prior arrangements are necessary; just show up.
Cheers,
Bob
Robert L. Ake
6603 Catherine Street
Norfolk VA 23505
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