After a slow migration, this year’s breeding birds have flourished at the Rogers Refuge, including most of the usual suspects plus a few welcome surprises. Foremost among the surprises is the continued presence of Virginia Rails in the main marsh—more heard than seen in the thick cattails, though Claire Wayner did take a photo in mid-May. I most recently heard one giving its loud tic-tic-tic call on June 28.
Very visible and audible around the marsh are at least half-a-dozen pairs of Yellow Warblers, scarce in recent years, and increased numbers of Purple Martins, which have overcome their initial suspicion of the new gourds installed last spring.
Baltimore Orioles, Warbling Vireos, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Cedar Waxwings, Eastern Bluebirds, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, House Wrens, and Tree Swallows are among the active nesters observed around the platform and water company areas.
I was lucky enough to watch young Bluebirds fledging from one of the boxes on the Orange Trail. Joe and I also watched a Carolina Wren tending to a very large Cowbird chick. While most of the migrants are headed for post-breeding dispersal as of early July, Bluebirds and other year-round residents have been seen with nesting material, getting ready for a second brood. It all happens very quickly; the start of fall migration is only a month away.
Text by Winnie Spar; Photos by David Padulo