July 2022 Bird Walk Constitution Marsh

By Sean Camillieri

On July 23 rd our chapter partnered with Constitution Marsh who graciously hosted 13 participants who braved the heat and humidity and went on a relaxing canoe trip through the marsh. Of the 4 miles canoed, 41 bird species were recorded.

This time of the year is often referred to as the “doldrums” in the birding community. Most breeding activity has finished for the season with very few species still tending to young. Most of the bird’s energy shifts from claiming territories, mating, and raising young to molting into fall or juvenile plumages and getting ready for the fall journey ahead of them. So needless to say, those factors combined with the brutal heat and humidity, we did not see many birds, mostly heard.

Some participants did hear a Virginia Rail and a probable Least Bittern which are both reliant on the habitat CMACS provides. To our knowledge, CMACS is the only place in the county where Least Bittern occurs and breeds although other marshy areas in the county cannot be discounted since this species is known to randomly pop up if the habitat is right.

Despite the ambient temperatures, there were some signs that fall migration was starting to begin, even if it’s at a trickle. A fly over Bobolink giving its “bink” flight call was heard by one of the trip leaders, Bank Swallows and Least Sandpipers were also seen or heard flying overhead. These are some of the first species to begin meandering their way south.

The birds weren’t cooperative but regardless it was a beautiful morning on the water, and everyone had a great time. A special thanks to Rebecca Schultz, interim director of the marsh and herintern, Marisol for waking up at the crack of dawn to get us ready!

eBird list here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S115620423