Hi,
Today I was joined at 7 am at the Jericho Ditch Lane parking lot by Jerry
Uhlman and Elisa Enders. We had a pleasant surprise right at the beginning.
Through a herculean effort the road north from five points along Jericho Ditch
has been cleared of fallen trees during the past 3 days. We walked this
cleared path and then east along Williamson Ditch which was also clear. After
2 1/2 hours we returned and left the swamp about 11 am. The temperature
started at about 50F, the sky was clear, and the walk was very pleasant.
The twelve species of warblers seen and heard today included Ovenbird (20),
Louisiana Waterthrush (2), Common Yellowthroat (16), Black-and-white Warbler
(4), Prairie Warbler (2), Yellow-rumped Warbler (6), Palm Warbler (2), Hooded
Warbler (1), Prothonotary Warbler (3), Black-throated Green Warbler (3), Pine
Warbler (3), and Northern Parula (1).
Six Hermit Thrushes were heard singing their full song, including one in
full view for several minutes. What a treat! A Blue-headed Vireo was also
heard and seen well. A Swamp Sparrow sang briefly as we passed and a Chipping
Sparrow was seen with some White-throated Sparrows that were eating the flowers
of a flowering tree.
A few Dwarf Trillium were still in bloom and a salamander was examined
nearby; the id is forthcoming. Spring peepers, carpenter and leopard frogs
were sounding off. The butterfly list included Questionmark (1), Juvenal's
Duskywing (3), Henry's Elfin (2), Pearl Crescent (2), E. Tiger Swallowtail (7),
Spring Azure (1), Zebra Swallowtail (2), Clouded Sulfur (2), American Lady(8).
I'll be taking another walk in the swamp from Jericho Ditch Lane parking
lot at 7am Wednesday, April 14. Please join me if you'd like.
Bob Ake
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