SEASONAL HIGHLIGHTS 1997
Winter
During the cold days of January, Rufous-sided Towhee, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker,
Golden-crowned Kinglet, and Winter Wren joined more common wintering species
such as White-throated Sparrow and Dark-eyed Junco. Occasionally a Winter
Wren brightened bleak mornings with its intricate song. Signs of beaver--fallen
trees and missing bark--became increasingly obvious.
Spring
Colder than usual weather contributed to a slow, late migration, but interesting
birds were plentiful. The first warbler of the year was a Pine Warbler seen
on March 23rd. Pine, Palm, and Yellow-rumped Warblers became common in early
April. On May 19th nineteen warbler species set a record for the year.
Several other days saw seventeen or eighteen warbler species. Sixty-five
total species were recorded on May 4th and on May 11th. Unusual spring birds
included Bobolink, Kentucky Warbler, Lincoln's Sparrow, and Mourning Warbler.
Summer
After the migrants departed, breeding birds and their young took over the
nature center. According to the guidelines for determining nesting status
used by the "Atlas of Breeding Birds in Pennsylvania," thirty species nested
this year. Nest building, adult birds carrying food, adults feeding young
birds, and recently fledged birds are a few of the atlas guidelines. Breeding
birds included Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Cedar Waxwing, Blue-gray
Gnatcatcher, House Wren, and abundant American Robins and Gray Catbirds.
Three of the species-- Eastern Wood Pewee, Gray Catbird, and Wood Thrush--are
on a "WatchList" report released by the National Audubon Society. That report
lists 90 species, fourteen percent of the bird species in the United States,
which the Audubon Society believes are in decline or danger. Special care
should be taken to preserve the habitat preferred by these birds.
Fall
Migration was late and slow. Red-breasted Nuthatch, Bufflehead, and Snow
Goose were the most unusual migrants. In 1997, 137 species of birds occurred
at Monocacy Nature Center. Bobolink and Kentucky Warbler were new to the
sanctuary. Other sightings included red fox, white-tailed deer, and box,
painted, and snapping turtles. By the year's end beaver appeared to have
moved elsewhere.
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Last Updated July 20, 1998 by Linda Freedman