Hooded Warbler - Marcy Woods

nature article by earl Plato

What does the bird, Hooded warbler, mean to you? We are at the northern extreme of its range during its summer season. That means it is not overly plentiful in Niagara. If you’re a birder you would appreciate seeing its colourful appearance whenever you can. I am a bird watcher and was thrilled to see two pairs in Marcy’s Woods. If they would nest here what a prize that would be! Such a happening would once again prove that Marcy’s Woods is unique and should be preserved before would-be developers destroy this pristine area. Marcy Nature Reserve, that sounds nice to the ear. Back to the birds, Yes, I am an ordinary naturalist which can mean that I know a little about a lot of things in nature and alas, one who doesn’t know very much in depth. However, I am fortunate to know some several nature enthusiasts who do.
I was able, thanks to resident Ridgeway “birder,” Rob Eberly, to ramble with him on a June evening out to Marcy’s Woods. There we met two great “birders,” Dr. Richard Knapton and Blayne Farnan of Port Colborne accompanied by their wives. Blayne and his wife had their son, daughter-in-law and six month old granddaughter on this pleasant walk. Rob wanted them to hear and see Hooded warblers. If you’re only a bird watcher like me keep quiet! I didn’t always remain silent and probably won’t be invited again. However, I am a confirmed bird watcher and appreciated the opportunity to see Hooded warblers in Marcy’s woods.
Amazing these men and their wives for they hear and see so well. We were only at the start of the trail near the stairs in Marcy’s forest undergrowth when this warbler seemed to call attention to itself by frequently fanning its tail quickly open and shut, flashing the white outer tail feathers. I confess I didn’t see this motion, however, Blayne, Richard and Rod had brought their bird call tapes of the Hooded warbler, I did too but on my little micro-cassette recorder the sound was not too loud so I did not mention my taping..
Blayne held his recorder up and the played the call of the Hooded warbler and it permeated the understory. A reply came and the scenario was repeated. Then a flash of yellow. On a tall maple the bird landed and even Earl focused his glasses on this beautiful warbler. Add to my 200 plus Bird list the Hooded warbler. Now that helps prove I am not a “birder” just a bird watcher. A real “birder” would have three or four times that length. But anyone can have a list. Why not start one?
I taped Rob Eberly’s list of what we saw as follows: “Common yellowthroat, Towhees, two pairs of Hooded warblers, which is a great thing, flickers,Turkey vultures, male and female Scarlet tanagers copulating, and Northern Baltimore oriole.”
What a great night. However, I think I talked too much. Will these “birders” invite me again? I promise to be quiet for I love watching birds with “birders.”