DNRT Big Year – July Update
July did not see the quantity of birds that other months had, but the quality was superb! We added 10 new species this month, bringing our total to 121. This month is especially exciting, so we’ll touch on everything we saw (because it’s hard not to)!
Although our schedules were not well aligned, the Land Management staff was able to find a day to fit in some birding between meetings and other tasks. We had heard reports of several different heron species at Ocean View Farm, so we started our morning there. Upowepon arriving, we startled a Green Heron from the nearby marsh, catching only a fleeting glimpse as it flew away.
Thinking there might be something else out on the salt marsh, we walked along its edge while checking on previously completed invasive species removal work. A Willow Flycatcher landed in the nearby brush, giving us a good look as we quietly searched for a Saltmarsh Sparrow. Saltmarsh Sparrows are not always easy to spot, as they often flush from the marsh grasses only to dive right back down. It took a little while before one was cooperative enough to stay still so we could confirm the distinctive yellow around its eyes.
Looking farther out into the marsh, we could tell there was some kind of heron in the distance, but we weren’t sure what species it was. We moved a little closer but, not wanting to disturb the wildlife, decided to sit back and wait for any telltale signs. As we watched, we noticed a second heron about 50 feet away from the first. At first, we couldn’t tell whether we were looking at two Little Blue Herons or two Tricolored Herons. We were pleasantly surprised when the bird on the right opened its wings, revealing the white feathers underneath and confirming it was a Tricolored Heron. The bird on the left, however, was noticeably smaller and lacked the white underwings, confirming it was a Little Blue Heron. It was a lot of fun to see the two species side by side and interacting, especially as the Tricolored Heron tried to nudge the Little Blue Heron out of its way.
We then headed to our Teal Rock–Winsor Reserve in search of a Marsh Wren. We caught a quick glimpse shortly after arriving, but finding it again proved much more difficult. The bird spent most of its time hidden among the reeds, out of sight. We did notice a nest-like structure and kept watch nearby, eventually getting a few more brief looks as the Marsh Wren struck its signature pose, clinging sideways to stalks of phragmites.
That day, we also stopped by a couple of DNRT properties in Nonquitt, where we saw several birds but nothing new for the year. A quick stop at Nonquitt Marsh, however, gave us views of both a Least Tern and a Forster’s Tern. We first observed the terns feeding over the marsh before watching them soar around the nearby beach.
The final two new species were found separately and not during our memorable day in the field. Around the Helfand office, an Indigo Bunting spent a couple of weeks hanging around. It was the first time we had observed one at Helfand for such an extended period, although we each saw it on different occasions. Earlier in the year, Linda had spotted a Northern Waterthrush at Flag Swamp Bog. It managed to evade James for quite some time, but he finally got a good look at one later at Wernick Farm.
We hope to add migrating shorebirds and songbirds to our list in August and September, as well as add a few of our bigger properties to our list. Stay tuned and good birding!