July was the first open to the public marsh walk since covid protocols were instituted.
The day began comfortably cool but warmed as the tour progressed. Our group of 13 birders were happy to see each other after such a long hiatus.
Virginia rails were heard, both young and adults, near the boardwalk when I first arrived. Of course, they were silent when our group assembled.
Others birds were actively singing their songs or carrying food to waiting beaks.
An immature and unkempt American redstart sat on a branch hoping for breakfast while a nearby common yellowthroat had beaks full for their young.
A northern waterthrush was heard singing as well as the diminutive marsh wren.
Raptors noted included a pair of American kestrels, a Cooper’s hawk, one red tail hawk, a northern harrier, and one UFH, and one unidentified hawk.
While nothing out of the ordinary was seen, the group tallied a respectable 53 species.