Summer at the Refuge

Purple Martins

After a slow migration, this year’s breeding birds have flourished at the Rogers Refuge, including most of the usual suspects plus a few welcome surprises. Foremost among the surprises is the continued presence of Virginia Rails in the main marsh—more heard than seen in the thick cattails, though Claire Wayner did take a photo in mid-May. I most recently heard one giving its loud tic-tic-tic call on June 28.

Yellow Warbler

Very visible and audible around the marsh are at least half-a-dozen pairs of Yellow Warblers, scarce in recent years, and increased numbers of Purple Martins, which have overcome their initial suspicion of the new gourds installed last spring.

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

Baltimore Orioles, Warbling Vireos, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Cedar Waxwings, Eastern Bluebirds, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, House Wrens, and Tree Swallows are among the active nesters observed around the platform and water company areas.

I was lucky enough to watch young Bluebirds fledging from one of the boxes on the Orange Trail. Joe and I also watched a Carolina Wren tending to a very large Cowbird chick. While most of the migrants are headed for post-breeding dispersal as of early July, Bluebirds and other year-round residents have been seen with nesting material, getting ready for a second brood. It all happens very quickly; the start of fall migration is only a month away.

Text by Winnie Spar; Photos by David Padulo