Saltmarsh Sparrows

As the temperature begins to climb and the salt pans that are only reached during uncommonly high tides begin to recede to wet depressions, new vegetation and wildlife appear. During a light exploration of these areas, I found some interesting things.  Salicornia, more commonly called Glasswort or Pickleweed has has begun to grow in the former pans. Saltmarsh Sparrow (once called the Sharptail Saltmarsh Sparrow) are  secretive sparrows that only breed on the eastern seaboard. These birds were actively feeding in the newly formed mud depressions. Saltmarsh Sparrow have a quiet "buzz" of a song. Much like many marsh species, habitat destruction has lead to an overall decline in their numbers. Belle Isle as the only remaining natural salt marsh outside Boston area,  means that this location is one of the only places this species can breed near the city.

                                                              Saltmarsh Sparrow

                                              Northern Flicker coming out of nesting cavity

 

Pickleweed / Glasswort 

Bobolink's Belle Isle

Singing male

                                                Canada Warbler in the yard, PI

                                                Northern Waterthrush - Belle Isle

                                                                   Bobolink

Massive Warbler fallout Belle Isle

                                        Today a large number of migrating warblers could be seen at and around Belle Isle. This was the largest Warbler fallout I have seen at Belle Isle, the birds must have come in over night since only a few were seen yesterday. I was only able to get a few good photographs, as must birds were actively foraging and singing. 15 species of Warbler seen: Black & White Warbler, Canada Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Cape May Warbler, Louisiana Water-thrush, Ovenbird, American Redstart, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Black-throated Green Warbler, Northern Parula, Pine Warbler, Wilsons Warbler and Yellow-rumped Warbler. 

                                                            What I thought was Cape May Warbler female, Geoff caught my mistake and pointed out Black-throated Green Warbler - female. God damn Warblers. Still difficult for me. Even after a number of years under my belt, just not seeing the volume of each species and sex can catch you off guard.

                                                     Black-throated Green Warbler

                                                              Common Yellowthroat

                          Male American Kestrel with a Meadow Vole  - Belle Isle Meadow

                        Revere & Winthrop's  least favorite shorebird.... Piping Plover  - Winthrop beach

                                                                  Eastern Phobe

                                                                    Ovenbird

                                                         Magnolia Warbler

Cape May Warbler

                                                              American Redstart

                                                                    Tree Swallow

Breeding Warblers

While looking for a rare Warbler in Nahant ( which I did not find ) I got a few good pictures of our local breeding Warblers. Yellow Warbler & Common Yellowthroat.

                                                                     Common Yellowthroat

                                                                 Yellow Warbler

More randoms from Belle Isle

                                                           Black & White Warbler

                                                      Black-throated Green Warbler

                                                          First of the year catbird

                                                            Glossy Ibis in flight

                                            Male Goldfinch almost in full breeding plumage

                                                      Tree Swallows on the new box

                                                    Male Rose-brested Grosbeak in the yard

                            It's that time of year again and that means....Willets standing on things

                                                                  Yellow Warber

                                             Rose-breasted at sunset marsh in the background

Warbling Vireo

The Warbling Vireo has returned to its tree in the parking lot at Belle Isle. The little guy was singing his heart out on this terrible crappy day.

More from Belle Isle

                                                         Baby Meadow Vole's in the meadow at Belle Isle 

                       Glossy Ibis in flight, one of about 18 that have been hanging around

                                     Male Goldfinch breeding plumage, gray morning Belle Isle

                       Killdeer in flight, breeding / nest at the Morton Street lot of Belle Isle

                      New Tree Swallow condo in the meadow at Belle Isle, folks are moving in

                                                          First time home owners

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Palm Warbler - Plum Island 

                                          Ruby-crowned Kinglet , in the yard Plum Island