Considering that it was pouring rain when I left the house, it was nice to
have some sun in the swamp at least for an hour or so. Elisa Enders, Alex
Manarik, and Renee Hudgins also ignored the early rained and joined me for the
walk. The Great Dismal Swamp NWR cleanup crew has again been hard at work.
Jericho ditch south has been cleared almost to the dogleg. Their work is most
appreciated.
The spring arrivals we recorded in the swamp today which were new for me
this year included Swainson's Warbler, Green Heron, Ruby-throated Hummingbird,
Chimney Swift, Great Crested Flycatcher, Worm-eating Warbler, and Northern
Waterthrush.
We recorded twelve warbler species, but not the same twelve as last Friday.
Today there were Ovenbird (13), Yellow-rumped Warbler (5), Hooded Warbler (1),
Louisiana Waterthrush (3), Prothonotary Warbler (11), Common Yellowthroat (19),
Swainson's Warbler (3), Black-and-white Warbler (7), Prairie Warbler (9), Pine
Warbler (2), Worm-eating Warbler (2), and Northern Waterthrush (1). The three
Swainson's Warblers were heard singing lustily. One was more than half way
along Jericho Ditch Lane (the entrance road), the second was in the triangle
between Lynn Ditch and Jericho Ditch south, and the third was east of Jericho
Ditch south about two-thirds the way to the dogleg.
Other birds of interest included: a Barred Owl that flew up from the ditch
to land in full view for several minutes; two Common Loons calling as they
flew over right at dawn: and a Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, not commonly seen in
the swamp.
Butterflies were a little scarce because it never got warm. Pearl Crescent
(4), American Lady (1), Zebra Swallowtail (1), Red Admiral (1), Spring Azure
(3), E. Tiger Swallowtail (2), and Henry's Elfin (1).
My next walk will be Monday, April 19 at 7am from the Jericho Ditch Lane
parking lot. Join me if you'd like.
Bob Ake
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