Date: 6/5/25 8:49 pm From: David M via groups.io <davidpmassa...> Subject: [hmbirds] Thursday Birding 6/4 Vischer Ferry NHP
Eleven birders—including a guest—set out at 7 AM into Vischer Ferry NHP on a warm, muggy, and ferociously buggy June morning. Following a hot tip, we launched a focused search for Least and American Bitterns. Though neither appeared visually, we shared a clear, steady call from a Least Bittern deep in the marsh. Everyone gathered in one spot, scopes, binoculars, and cameras all trained on the reeds in full birding formation (always a big thanks to the birder who brought the scope!).
A highlight came when about five of us worked together to track a first-year male Orchard Oriole calling from a leafy treetop. The bird was brilliantly colored and buzzing with energy, but what really made the moment special was the collaborative teamwork, patience, and excitement that brought us all onto the bird.
Other sightings included a Baltimore Oriole tending a hanging nest, a female Hooded Merganser with young, and a female Wood Duck with nine ducklings. Virginia Rails were vocal early, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers drummed actively, and Great Crested Flycatchers called overhead. Yellow Warblers and Common Yellowthroats were busy bringing food and nesting material, while Cedar Waxwings appeared in good numbers.
A soaring Red-tailed Hawk, Eastern Kingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Red-winged Blackbirds, Song Sparrows, Swamp Sparrows, Blue Jays, American Robins, a Great Blue Heron and a handful of some others rounded out the list.
Early in the walk, we passed at least half a dozen snapping turtles laying eggs—a neat sight and a vivid reminder of how alive the trail was this morning.
