Overcast but clearing as the day wore on, low 70s
Saturday’s usually mean Mearns Bird Club field trips and today was no exception to the rule. Although the day began with light rain, it soon abated and we were pretty much dry for the entire duration of the trip. Hickok Brook is a Sullivan County “Multiple Use Area”, meaning a lot goes on there. Hiking, hunting, birding, camping, biking, and much more are allowed in the area.
Today, while we were birding the area, a number of shots rang out as folks who are of the NRA ilk chose to spend the morning target practicing or discharging their weapons for whatever reason. In a “MUA” this is pretty much acceptable and I don’t begrudge anyone their right to pursue their passion any more than the dozen of us birding today chose to pursue ours. It is disconcerting, however, when trying to hear the oh so slight whisper of a Blue-gray gnatcatcher or a Black and White warbler and have loud rifle reports sounding off all around you. Well, we chose to be here this morning and we shouldn’t complain.
Today, while we were birding the area, a number of shots rang out as folks who are of the NRA ilk chose to spend the morning target practicing or discharging their weapons for whatever reason. In a “MUA” this is pretty much acceptable and I don’t begrudge anyone their right to pursue their passion any more than the dozen of us birding today chose to pursue ours. It is disconcerting, however, when trying to hear the oh so slight whisper of a Blue-gray gnatcatcher or a Black and White warbler and have loud rifle reports sounding off all around you. Well, we chose to be here this morning and we shouldn’t complain.
In spite of the firepower, we did enjoy a pleasant morning of a good number of warblers this morning in spite of the migration having pretty much come to an end. Those that are here now will more than likely spend the summer and breed right here in Southeastern New York. Among the most striking of the warblers were actually able to see through the ever thickening foliage was this handsome Magnolia warbler.
We were also fortunate to catch sight of a Hermit thrush in the dark shadows of the understory. The fact that the bird was carrying food in its bill indicates that there are probably young on a nest not too far away. Any time you see birds with food or nesting material in their bills, it makes you feel satisfied that nature is taking care of her own.
Even though we tallied over 50 species this morning, it wasn’t all about the birds. We found a number of Red efts (little salamanders), a lovely Ebony jewelwing (damselfly) which actually landed upon the hat of one our fellow birders,
and several butterfly species including American lady and Tiger swallowtail. Monarch caterpillars were beginning to appear on the milkweed,
a precursor to the eventual development of the Monarch butterfly. And so, it once again turned out to be a great day to be in the field and to have the fields and forests share their stories with those of us who ventured out to see and learn what Mother Nature had to offer.
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