I went to Black Creek Marsh in Voorheesville at sunrise this morning, to listen for marsh birds calling. The temperature was around 30 degrees, but there was filtered sunshine through high clouds. Swamp Sparrows were numerous, Marsh Wrens were twittering, and there were both Tree and Barn Swallows flying about. New arrivals in the last few days were Eastern Towhee, two Brown Thrashers, and a House Wren. Marsh specialists included several Rusty Blackbirds, a Pied-billed Grebe, four Virginia Rails grunting and calling, an American Coot swimming, and the first Green Heron that I've seen this year.
About twenty minutes after sunrise, I was startled to hear an American Bittern calling close by. It was standing on a muskrat lodge, so it was quite visible. Always a thrill to encounter one close up.
American Bittern at Black Creek Marsh (click to enlarge)
American Bittern (click to enlarge)
American Bittern viewed from behind (click to enlarge)
At Five Rivers EEC in Delmar, it was pretty quiet, with no new arrivals noted. A curious Tree Swallow flew over to the observation deck on the west side of the property, trying to ascertain my intentions as I stood nearby. Well, if you are going to pose, then I have no choice...
Tree Swallow at Five Rivers
TW
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