birdsoup

This morning when I first pulled into the parking lot at The Marshlands I sensed something was wrong. The driveway and parking areas were blocked. Small groups of people were standing everywhere, just milling around. As I drew nearer to the crowd I recognized one face, then another, then more, finally most. All these smiling, friendly people were there for today’s BirdWalk. Over 2 dozen people. They were waiting for me (late as usual)

“Why such a big turnout today?” I wondered. Was it the reputation of The Marshlands that attracted so many? Or was it because today was the start of a 3-day holiday weekend and people had more free time to relax and enjoy nature? I didn’t know. But I hoped I could show these people some good birds.

It didn’t turn out that way. The top of the field behind the John Jay Homestead normally buzzes with small birds. Today, none.The field was alive with butterflies but the swallows that normally zig and zag after insects were missing. When we reached the overlook, the tide was out and the salt marsh was empty except for a distant Great Blue Heron. Fortunately when we walked down the hill to the marsh itself bird life picked up.

In total, we tallied 24 species with the best sightings being Western and Semipalmated Sandpipers. Despite the lack of birds the walk was enjoyed by all.
In fact after most of the group left for home, a few people stayed and birded in a different area of The Marshlands, nearer the golf course. They found all kinds of birds including 5 or 6 kinds of migrating warblers as well as waterthrush.

Why, I wonder, did they see so much and we didn’t? I will never know. Life will just continue to a state of confusion.