It is my favorite time of the year. Thousands of miles south of me, billions of birds are reacting to a deep ancient urge to bulk up for an upcoming journey. They slowly creep up through Mexico and into Texas before following their instincts up the Atlantic coast. They begin to drop down and some happen to find refuge in Centennial Woods. There, they act as entertainment to a few individuals who seek them out. I haven’t experienced spring migration in Burlington yet and I figured that my yearlong phenology spot would be the perfect option. I came over the sumac lined hill and stared down at the bog I had written about for the year. As expected it continues to be a little hotspot of biodiversity in the forest. The combination of wetland, streamside thickets, and hemlock trees make for an abundance of species. Mallards swim around the bog while Winter Wrens deliver their famously long unbroken song. I stop on the bridge and take pictures of my surrounding area. I then raise my binoculars to find Ruby-crowned Kinglets and beautiful Yellow-rumped Warbler. The deciduous trees are starting to look alive and most excitingly, the fiddleheads have popped up in spectacular fashion.
I went back out this morning with a fellow NR 2 student for another bird walk. We were hoping to see more warbler species and add to the growing list of migrants we have seen. When we arrived at our phenology spot the life there seemed to explode. We had dozens of White-throated Sparrows as well as more Winter Wrens. The highlights of the trip included a Pileated Woodpecker that was pecking at the metal part of an electrical pole, Pine Warblers, and a first of the year Great Crested Flycatcher. We will be going out tomorrow and hopefully I am able to see more warbler species.
It was a good year in NR 2. I watched my phenology spot morph and change and it really made me appreciate how this one plot of land could undergo so many changes and support so many different species. Every time I ventured into the woods to enjoy explore the spot I found something new and exciting. I might even continue this type of project at home where I might be able to purchase a trail cam to see all the different animals that show up when I am not around.
Thank you for a great year!!
UPDATE: We saw two new warbler species for the year. Black-throated Green Warbler and Ovenbird.
