Spring in Marcy Woods. Why not?

nature article by Earl Plato

The time of bird singing has come to Marcy’s Woods in Greater Fort Erie. It’s been another four consecutive mornings we walked the upper and lower trails of these woods. Local people, friends and new acquaintances, nature lovers from Niagara Falls and environs were treated to great late April weather. Did I say “bird singing time?” This is trillium time too on the Marcy’s. hills and vales. On this particular morning the Van Hornes, Bud and his dog,Ursa, and I ramble along the Upper Trail. On either side of us the Large-Flowered White trilliums fill the hillsides. It is a magnificent view that surround us. We drink in the beauty. I recall the intense love that the late Dave Marr had for this photogenic setting. I like others who have come here for many years can’t get enough of this nature setting. I will return tomorrow with another group. That’s one of the joys of retirement. As we leave this day the cry of a red-tail hawk permeates the air. Then a flurry of wing beating is heard high in the trees. Milt, Fay and Bud check out the threesome of woodpeckers. “Looks too large for downies.” Milt takes out his Peterson Guide and they agree that it has to be a “Harry.” It’s been a good ramble. ***
If April is the month of promise then May is fulfillment. May is the month when everything seems to happen in nature. At Marcy’s Woods, at least to me, it is the time life in the great outdoors rises to a peak. I have said it before and repeat - May is the Birdsong Month out here. Here’s one of my flashbacks to May, 1990. “ Bird Heaven - This May day was especially good for bird watching and bird songs. Naturalist Ernie Giles has the keen ability to see birds well and has the long practiced skills to talk to many of our feathered friends. On the way to the trails we saw many rose-breasted grosbeaks. In rapid succession colours flashed by us of northern orioles, yellow warbler, pewee and most spectacular were the bright red markings of a scarlet tanager.
Once on the Bird Trail we heard the “meow” of the catbird. High in a tree below us came the repeated sound “Peter-peter” of the titmouse. Yellow warblers were passing through. We stopped for a break and Ernie stated making bird calls. There scratching its way in the underbrush was a solitary bird dressed in yellow. Ernie had called it and there just a few yards away was a Wilson’s Warbler. Remarkable skills this Ernie!
Cardinals and chickadees serenaded us. Heading back on the lower trail we heard the beautiful song of the wood thrush and then saw it. Ernie focused his glasses on a brown thrasher then on a red-eyed vireo. With a little help from him. The raucous calls of the ever present bluejay ended our May Day bird walk. Enjoy May all you nature lovers. Yes, May and then October are two my most favourite nature months.