Nesting & Summary
Not all birds were migrating through - some decided to stop and claim at least a temporary residency by nesting.
I first noticed a pair of Tree Swallows showing a keen interest in the cavity of a downed tree.
On our walk at Pearson Metropark we found a pair of nesting Blue-gray Gnatcatchers.
Later, on the Magee boardwalk I noticed a crowd around another Blue-gray Gnatcatcher nest. This nest was located right next to an intersection of the boardwalk. Interesting they pick this high traffic area to build their nest. When I arrived I noticed one of the Gnatcatchers going after a Red-winged Blackbird that got too close.
Surprisingly the Prothonotary Warbler again decided to build her nest in a hollowed out boardwalk post. This is where thousands of people walk by every day during the Spring. She did this last year, and as I learned she nested here a number of years prior to that. I’m guessing she has been successful. They are cavity nesters; the nest entrance is actually on the other side of the post you see in the first photo below.
A Yellow Warbler was building a beautiful nest right along the boardwalk.
I found this Yellow Warbler nest across the canal near the East boardwalk entrance.
I saw two Bald Eagle nests at Magee Marsh. The young were nearing time to fledge.
American Woodcock
She was on a nest that was just 10-15 feet from the boardwalk.
Total number of species seen/heard - 83 species
Total life birds - 1
Golden-winged Warbler
Total number of wood warbler species - 22
Prothonotary Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Cape May Warbler
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Bay-breasted Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Palm Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Canada Warbler
Wilson’s Warbler
Northern Waterthrush
Golden-winged Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
Tennessee Warbler
List of species seen/heard. I saw one more wood warbler than I had the year before. The total number of species is less because I did not spend much time at Howard Marsh which includes many shore birds.
Arriving at Magee Marsh boardwalk on Monday I noticed the area seemed more open and there didn’t seem to be the abundance of birds as last year. As in Maryland, Ohio had a cool Spring. My suspicion was confirmed - we were about a week away from the hight of migration. None the less I saw the same variety of warbler species (well, actually one more than last year). Interesting how a difference a day makes. Monday when I arrived there were Yellow-rumped Warblers everywhere, the next day - not so much, and as each days passed less and less. It wasn’t until Thursday I saw my first Magnolia Warbler, then Friday there were more coming in making their appearance to everyone’s delight. The weather was fabulous all week, it didn’t rain until after I arrived at the airport for my flight home.
So, as I write this, waiting for my flight, thinking I am done birding for the day when I see an airport employee making a frantic phone call to report a bird flying around gate D21. It landed in some decorative foliage on the wall. I tell the young man after his call - that’s a European Starling.
GREAT TRIP!!
