VA BIRDers,
Despite getting a bit warmer and humid, 15 observers turned out for the
regular Sunday morning Field Trip to Dyke Marsh, sponsored by the Friends of
Dyke Marsh and free to all. We had fine opportunities to see the various
breeders at Dyke. Admittedly it took two searches to finally turn up a
Warbling Vireo, but the bird posed quite nicely for all to see. Orchard
Orioles were also in fine form with many observed including just wonderful
views of birds less than 40 feet away. One Baltimore Oriole put in an
appearance in the trees just south of the picnic area.
We looked at the many Osprey nests off Dyke, including one near the boat
ramp from about 30 feet - the two small chicks in the latter were quite
hungry as Mom and Dad Osprey fed them bits of fish. We were pleased to see
many swallows flying overhead including several Northern Rough-winged
Swallows mixed in with the our local breeding Tree and Barn Swallows. And
once again two Purple Martins were noted in the marina and off the island
that we viewed from the end of the boardwalk. Our trek down Haul Road
produced a slightly unusual Field Sparrow (not a confirmed breeder at Dyke);
there are examples of this species showing up in June over the years. Marsh
Wrens sang but remained elusive. The dogleg produced quick looks at two
Yellow Warblers and a pair of Blue-gray Gnatcatchers plus some local Eastern
Kingbirds.
On our way back to the cars we heard a Prothonotary Warbler call in the
woods and also heard a Hairy WP call in the picnic area. At the end of the
trip whilst tallying up the birds I heard at least one young Blue Jay in
the trees above my car - I looked about and found it in the foliage
screaming to an adult to "feed me".
Kurt Gaskill
