Panama-8813

Don’t ignore the common stuff

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Kevin Loughlin

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Jun 11, 2009 | by Kevin Loughlin

Always an attention grabber for new birders, Great Egrets are common at the Bombay Hook NWR.

During last weekend’s birding excursions through Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge I was guiding families with kids of all ages. Neither the parents nor the kids (with a couple exceptions) had any real birding experience.

Perfect, I thought, everything will be new! This was definitely true, everything was new to them. However, the timing for the group weekend was off and the big numbers of migrant species had already passed through and were now on their breeding grounds farther north, leaving the ponds and mud flats nearly empty. In the wooded areas, the trees were fully leafed out and dense, not allowing good views of the forest birds.
As we entered the forest early in the morning, we discussed the importance of learning birdsong identification. Scarlet Tanagers, Wood Thrushes and Red-eyed Vireos offered their instructive input. However, a Brown Thrasher was very cooperative as it bounce from branch to branch right in front of us… we soon realized it was because we were near its well camouflaged nest!

The Red-winged Blackbird’s scarlet red epaulets always receive oohs and aahs when viewed through a spotting scope!

As we entered the marsh, the con-cor-EEEE of Red-winged Blackbirds was very distinct. Then I heard the emphatic SWEET-SWEET-SWEET of a Prothonotary Warbler which was kind enough to reveal its beautiful yellow splendor! I and a couple of the adults were so excited, but as the bird would not sit still, some of the kids got frustrated. However, as the Red-winged Blackbirds were being very cooperative, perching on top of reeds and grasses, I set up the scope for the kids… BAM! Attention grabbed! Once again a common bird, often passed by experience birders, created an excitement among the young birders!

photos © Kevin Loughlin

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