PA Young Birders Field Trip: Blue Marsh Lake

Our 5th field trip was held at Blue Marsh Lake, northwest of Reading, in Berks County. Hallie Duff, Blue Marsh Lake Park Ranger, Jim Robbins, a volunteer for the park, Debbie Beer and I led eight kids and their parents on a two-hour walk along the Great Oak Nature Trail. We were surrounded by the sounds of several common species, including Eastern Towhee, House Wren, Northern Cardinal and numerous Gray Catbirds.

We stopped at four different nature stations along the trail where the group sat for several minutes while Ranger Halle and volunteer Jim led interactive nature discussions. Topics included the importance of recycling, the role of dead trees and the requirement of different habitats for various creatures. The kids actively participated by answering questions, reading out loud and role-playing.

A highlight of the trip was a discussion about the various cavity nesting birds and the nest boxes they utilize. Surrounding the benches were different size and shape boxes to illustrate those species that utilize them. These included one for a mallard, kestrel, flicker, wren, bluebird, Wood Duck and Barn Owl, as well as bats and butterflies. The presentation was enhanced with the presence of a pair of Hackberry Emperor (below, lower picture) butterflies flitting in the sunshine and a House Wren (below) coming into one of the boxes to feed their babies.

Near the end of our walk we were treated to great scope views (below) of a singing male Indigo Bunting, as well as a Chimney Swift flying close overhead.

Many thanks to Hallie and Jim for showing us this wonderful park, and to all the parents for bringing the children. Happy 12th Birthday Katie.