As we near the end of out journey south, we pass through the state of Georgia and revisit one of our favorite National Wildlife Refuges, Harris Neck. In addition to several miles of hiking trails, the refuge has a 4 ½ mile wildlife drive which affords birders and photographers a mobile blind from which to observe and capture images of some of the southland's most spectacular birds. We are heading into the breeding season for many of these birds. and in preparation, the plumages are transforming from the dull drab browns and grays the birds use to help in camouflaging themselves in winter into the brilliant colors employed to attract a mate. The ducks (like the Green-winged teal seen above), the waders, the warblers are all undergoing this remarkable transformation. As we saw last week, back in the north country, some birds like the Long-tailed duck undergo such a huge alteration that one would be hard-pressed to identify the two morphs as the same species. Feathers change, leg color changes, the color of the lores becomes so bright you’d swear someone had thrown a switch, and the birds begin to crank up their vocal repertoire…..all to make themselves more attractive. And so it is here at Harris Neck where we are hearing more song than we’ve have heard in the past 10 months, and the finest songsters, the warblers, have yet to arrive!
Our most remarkable spotting of the day, however, is the mass of Black-crowned Night-Herons which have gathered in the trees near the first impoundment. (See image below) Sharon counted more than 40 of these handsome birds visable at one time perched in the same three trees. We hope that this is only a precursor of what is to come at this most productive time of the year in a wonderful locale for birds and birding.
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