Just Birds (again)!



Wood Duck

On a lighter note, in my trail walks around Morristown this spring, I have noticed an increase in two species of birds. I have seen both before but not with the frequency that I have noticed them lately. They are the Wood Duck and the Goshawk. The Wood Ducks might be more noticeable because many of the trails I walk cross over lowlands, which have been extensively flooded now for weeks. The larger footprint of water in the woods might be bringing the ducks into better view. Or there may, in fact, be more of them.



Goshawk



On the Goshawk front, I have definitely seen more of them this year than any other. This could be good news since increases in predators are often a sign of a healthy ecosystem. An alternative reason can be that they are losing territory somewhere else. But, since new home construction in this area has been almost non-existent for several years now, I suspect that the increase in Goshawks reflects an increase in small prey animals (like the chipmunks who use my rock wall for a home).

Lastly, I made a new sighting this week of a bird I have never identified before. It is said to be common in the area, but like Goshawks and Wood Ducks, inhabits heavy woodlands and prefers to be secretive. I had never seen one (or frankly even heard of it) but I got a great look at one recently while strolling alone in a dense patch and positively identified it as a Black Throated Blue Warbler. Quite a good looking bird with a call much louder than its small stature would imply.



Black Throated Blue Warbler

So nature-lovers, go stroll your woods, fields and shorelines, perhaps you will catch a glimpse of something interesting!