SITE DESCRIPTION: This is a 90-acre tract of land comprised of woodlands, grasslands and shrubs with a 1 mile walking trail that is mostly flat. Populations of grassland birds are evident as they feed in the mornings and arrive to roost in the evenings. In the spring and summer many ground nesting birds are present. An extension of the trail leads to the edge of the Woodbury Creek and waterfowl can be spotted there year round. A marshy pond is a good place to see waders and aquatic mammals. There is another small pond with a population of frogs.
DON'T MISS: Numerous Rufous-sided Towhees that reside here all year. Their drink your tea call is ubiquitous, and they are fairly easy to spot.
THROUGH THE SEASONS:
Winter: A small patch of evergreens in the forest is the site of a Great Horned Owl nest that is active most years. Common Mergansers and Common Loons can be seen on the open water at the end of the spur trail. Wintering grassland birds feed in the fields during the day.
Spring: Groups of Baltimore Orioles gather and roost in the trees along the path to the left out of the parking lot. A variety of warblers stop at this site on their voyage North. Muskrats, squirrels and chipmunks become more active. Spring peepers can be heard in the evenings by the ponds.
Summer: Northern Bobwhites nest on the ground in the high grass beside the trail. Their call can be heard and they can be spotted flying low over the grass. Good populations of Brown Thrashers can be seen in the area. Swallows gather in the evenings to feast on the numerous dragonflies.
Fall: This is a good place to spot migrating woodland birds that travel South along the Delaware River and stop to feed in this well-used fallout area. Redwing Blackbirds and large mixed flocks of starlings and cowbirds reside at this site. The deciduous forest displays brilliant colored autumn leaves.
A CLOSER LOOK: Early spring mornings are a great time to view a large variety of migrants on their Northern journey, specifically several species of wood warblers. Also Wood Thrushes, Brown Thrashers, Catbird, Rufous-sided Towhee, and other interesting bird species are easily viewed and their calls heard.
Congrats to Forbez and PezGirl for the FTF!