The Nature of Delaware

By David Toman, Associate Director, Business and Finance

I visited the White Mountains of New Hampshire last weekend to pre-hike part of the “Hut to Hut Backpacking Trip” that Delaware Nature Society is offering over Labor Day weekend.   The scenery and mountain views were incredible!  I enjoyed focusing the camera on waterfalls, wildlife and some small wild flower blooms.  My trek led me up, up, up a strenuous rocky trail, paralleling multiple waterfalls to the Mizpah Hut through a boreal forest zone.  From Mizpah I transitioned into the alpine zone before I got above the tree line near Mt. Pierce (4,310 ft.)  Once on the ridge line, the views in every direction were awe-inspiring.  While following the ridge line trails, Mt. Washington, 6,288 ft, is always beckoning. Parts of my hike included snow-covered paths through the woods and snow-melt streams running down the trail.  Hiking the Presidential Range is truly a fun and challenging experience.

Ridgeline view of Mt. Washington that you will see if you attend the hut to hut backpacking trip. Photo by David Toman

The Appalachian Mountain Club's Highland Center at Crawford Notch where you will spend the first night of the trip. Photo by David Toman

The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) will host the DNS trekkers in September.  I stayed at their Highland Center at Crawford Notch and thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality and great food!  In September, we will start from the Highland Center and backpack to the Mizpah Hut, Lake of the Clouds Hut and Madison Spring Hut; then we will hike back down to their Joe Dodge Lodge at Pinkham Notch for the final night stay. Much of this trip is on the Appalachian Trail. There are still open spots so check out the trip at http://www.delawarenaturesociety.org/travel.html.

Enjoy the view from Mt. Eisenhower overlooking the Mt. Washington Hotel. Photo by David Toman.

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A Yellow-breasted Chat has a lot to talk about at Middle Run Natural Area. Image by Derek Stoner.

Perched atop a Red Oak, the  vociferous Yellow-breasted Chat belts out a gurgling song that sounds like a Mallard crossed with a Mockingbird. 

At Middle Run Natural Area in Newark, a close encounter with this bird (the largest warbler in North America) is possible due to the creation of ideal chat habitat:  early-successional forest. 

For the past 20 years, the Delaware Nature Society’s Middle Run Reforestation Project, a partnership with New Castle County Department of Special Services, has resulted in nearly 40,000 trees and shrubs being planted on about 30 acres of the 850-acre county-owned natural area.  One of the primary goals of the reforestation effort is to protect the Middle Run watershed ( a tributary of White Clay Creek that supplies Newark with water), by providing a forested buffer that prevents erosion, nutrient pollution, and excessive runoff.  Another notable benefit is the creation of outstanding habitat for wildlife.

The boisterous White-eyed Vireos rule the thickets at Middle Run. Image by Derek Stoner.

In the process of forest development, the earliest stage is when the greatest diversity of wildlife species will utilize the habitat.  For the first twenty years of growth, a young (“early-successsional”) forest is a rich mix of trees, shrubs, vines, wildflowers, and grasses.  Birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, and all manner of wildlife benefit from the diversity of food and cover in a young forest.

Each spring and fall, volunteers assist with the planting of native trees and shrubs at Middle Run.  Trees like Red Oak, White Oak, Tulip Poplar, Sycamore, Green Ash, and Red Maple are planted along with shrubs like Serviceberry, Chokeberry, and Viburnum in providing food and nesting space for birds.  Many invasive plant species are removed from the plots, but some are allowed to grow in order to maintain a mix of food and cover.  Wholesale removal of invasive plants would destroy nesting cover for many critical nesting species.

A stunning male Blue-winged Warbler perches against a backdrop of honeysuckle. Image by Derek Stoner.

A boldly-marked male Prairie Warbler surveys his territory at Middle Run from atop a wild grape vine. Image by Derek Stoner.

The Prairie Warbler is another species closely tied to the thicket and scrub habitat created by reforestation.  The word “prairie” is a mis-nomer, as this bird more prefers the savannah-like habitat of trees and shrubs interspersed with grasses.  At Middle Run, the Prairie Warbler is a species found in all of the reforestation plots, with at least 10 pairs on territories.

A male Orchard Oriole sings from atop a tree, where his mate weaves a beautiful basket nest. Image by Derek Stoner.

Starting in late April, these neo-tropical birds arrive at the reforestation area and start setting up territories.  Males sing and display, and females investigate nest sites.   Orchard Orioles love the staggered stands of small trees, as their name indicates. 

Right now, in late May through the end of July, all of these birds are busy with the task of rearing young and helping perpetuate their species.  A great place to see these early-successional specialty birds is along the new Middle Run Birding Trail.  I designed the trail, which is less than a mile in length and over slightly rolling terrain, to take visitors through the best habitat and to the best places for birding.  In an upcoming blog, I will introduce you to the birds that nest in the mature forest along the trail.

I invite you to visit Middle Run Natural Area and explore this unique birding trail for yourself.    The map below will guide you along the mowed trail. 

Middle Run Birding Trail Map 2010

Please share your Middle Run bird observations with us!

All images taken by Derek Stoner at Middle Run Natural Area along the birding trail the week of May 23, 2010.

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By Joe Sebastiani, Seasonal Program Team Leader

The 2nd-annual Bucktoe Bird Blitz took place last Sunday at the Bucktoe Creek Preserve near Kennett Square, PA.  The Blitz is an all-day event where we try to find as many bird species as possible on the property in a day.  In 2009, birders found 78 species.  This year I had a feeling we would break 100, especially if there were a lot of migrants in the area.

Walks were held at 6:00 am, 8:00 am, 10:00 am, 2:00 pm, and 4:00 pm and were led by Larry Lewis, Holly Merker, Sally O’Byrne, Carol Majors, and me.  A catered lunch was provided at noon.  About 100 birders attended the event.

Almost 100 birders attended the Bucktoe Bird Blitz on May 16, 2010. Photo by Ron Sinclair.

At 9:00 am, I was still out of town, on my way to the Blitz.  I received a phone call from Preserve Director, William Ryan.  He said, “All h*ll is breaking loose!  We’ve already seen an Olive-sided Flycatcher and a Least Flycatcher, and both are singing!”  He went on to say that more than 15 species of warblers had also been found.  My belief that more than 100 species could be tallied was firmed up.

A Least Flycatcher sings its short song, "Che-bek!" to the delight of many birders at the Bucktoe Bird Blitz. Photo by Holly Merker.

Olive-sided Flycatcher is always a great find. This bird was singing its "Quick-three-beers!" song, which is not often heard. Photo by Holly Merker.

My walk began at 4:00 pm.  At that point, 98 species had been found.  No pressure here!  Birds that were still M.I.A. at that point included a few attainable species like Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Fish Crow, Double-crested Cormorant, Kentucky Warbler and Great Horned Owl.  Most of the other species were pretty rare.

It was a good thing I had some excellent birders with me.  With the help of the group, we came up with a Northern Rough-winged Swallow winging overhead and calling.  Next, Holly Merker heard and spotted a perched Lincoln’s Sparrow, which is hard to find locally in spring migration.  We were at 100 species!  Sharp-shinned Hawk and Yellow-billed Cuckoo put us at 102, then a late-day search party added Kentucky Warbler and Great Horned Owl. 

A surprise fly-by at the end of the day was a Sharp-shinned Hawk. Photo by Joe Sebastiani.

This event really shows the diversity of birds on the 300-acre Bucktoe Creek Preserve, as well as the local interest in birding.  Look for this event next May, and join us to try and break 104 species!  The list from this year’s event is below:

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Spring is in full swing right now with new birds on territory and migrants passing through.  One of my favorite things about this time of year is the recently returned birds that make their homes around the nature center.  Some species are opportunistic, taking advantage of structures already in place.  Other species may need a little coaxing, but it is well worth the effort to invite a new family into the neighborhood.  Delaware Nature Society staff and volunteers have been working on habitat improvements at the Morton Farm, a former homesite and farm field, located directly across from the nature center, for the past two years.  Every season attracts new attention from the local wildlife and this spring has been no different. 

A pair of Purple Martins perches upon our new Martin house complex

Chuck Fullmer, an accomplished nature photographer and Martin landlord, donated three boxes and gourds in March.  After a few weeks of flybys, we finally have a few pairs that have been entering the gourds on a regular basis.  Purple Martin and other colonial swallow species seem to take full advantage of what humans offer.  Cliff Swallows utilize bridges, Rough-winged Swallows nest in drain pipes along waterways, and Bank Swallows dig into gravel and sand pits.  Barn Swallows will take up residence under porches and eaves – wherever they can find a slight ledge to build their mud nests.

A pair of Barn Swallows nest on this porch every year. Notice the wire on the wall which provided enough "ledge" to build their nest upon.

The Eastern Phoebe, a flycatcher species, is much like the Barn Swallow in its nest site choice.  They line their nests with moss.  American Robins and Mourning Doves will also use ledges, though they typically nest in trees.  Installing a small wooden block under a porch or eave may attract these species right to your house!

An American Robin nests on the side of a stone building. If you place a nest shelf on the side of your house, they may use that too. Eastern Phoebe and Mourning Dove are other species that will take advantage of a nest shelf. Photo by Joe Sebastiani

 The Birder’s Report features a variety of online nest box plans for you to use.  Delaware Nature Society is the local representative of the National Wildlife Federation’s Backyard Wildlife Habitat program which provides a great deal of useful information to make your home wildlife friendly.  Have fun!

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Photos and Story By Joe Sebastiani, Seasonal Program Team Leader

Just like birds, edible wild plants are a way for people to become interested in the environment, stay in touch with the cycles of the nature, and give you a great deal of pleasure throughout your life.  Such are the sentiments of Lee Allen Peterson, author of the Peterson Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants of Eastern and Central North America.  Like his father, who interested millions of people in the world of birds and nature, Lee uses wild plants to get people interested in the environment around them and to become more attuned with the natural world. 

Yesterday, Lee led two groups of eager, edible wild plant buffs around the Burrows Run Preserve.  Through his leadership and identification skills, we tasted a variety of wild mustards, smelled the fragrance of Queen Anne’s lace and sweet cicely root, and learned about the variety of plants all around us that can be used as food.  We learned that lots of plants can technically be used as food, but some, like skunk cabbage, are very time consuming to prepare, and aren’t worth the effort in the end.  We were encouraged to develop our personal list of “go to plants” that are easy to obtain, won’t be causing harm to sensitive populations if collected, and are worth the time and effort to prepare.  You may already know what my “go to plant” is…Stinging Nettle!

Lee Peterson showed our group a variety of edible wild plants at the Delaware Nature Society's Burrows Run Preserve.

Using the senses during the walk was at least half the fun.  Pennsylvania bittercress has a sharp, peppery bite.  Garlic Mustard is pretty disgusting at this time of year.  Rape seed pods are sweet and crunchy, like a small green bean.  Don’t eat Dame’s Rocket…it is a mustard, but it’s awful!  Violets are best when they are small shoots, but they still are pretty tasty when they are all grown up.  The biggest lesson, however, was to know how to identify the plant before you eat it, know the parts of the plant to eat, and follow it through the seasons and get to know it before you harvest it.

A participant on the walk enjoyed the smell of sweet cicely root, which smells like root beer.

In the evening after the walks, we were treated to an wild edible food dinner at the Backburner Restaurant in Hockessin, DE.  The chef expertly prepared stinging nettle, ramps, Jerusalem artichokes, ostrich fern fiddleheads and much more for our group to try.  We wish you were there with us…so have a look at the menu and consider signing up for this program the next time we offer it. 

Stinging nettle and spinach soup with Paradocx Vineyard, Pinot Grigio, 2007

Steamed fiddleheads over baby arugula and bulls blood with heirloom tomatoes and shaved kohlrabi finished with fresh picked Coverdale Farm herbed vinaigrette.  Paired with Paradocx Vineyard Merlot, 2006

Grilled marinated venison served over butter braised ramps and roasted baby zucchini.  Finished with blended wild mushroom ragout and Jerusalem artichoke puree.  Paired with Paradocx Vineyard, Sangiovese, 2005

Coverdale Farm egg chocolate mousse with chocolate meringue strawberries and fresh spearmint.  Paired with Paradocx Vineyard, Pinot Blanc, 2007

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By Joe Sebastiani, Seasonal Program Team Leader

Delaware Nature Society Nebraska Trip: Part II

There is plenty to keep a group of birders busy near the Switzer Family Ranch, otherwise known as Calamus Outfitters, when not watching Greater Prairie-chickens and Sharp-tailed Grouse.  After a morning of chicken-watching, we circled the 11-mile long Calamus Reservoir which is directly across the street from the ranch.  The reservoir is haven for thousands of migrating waterfowl, American White Pelicans, gulls, and Bald Eagles.  Lots of Bald Eagles.  In the winter, shad die in the reservoir, then after ice-out, they float to the surface.  This is a feast for the eagles.  In previous years, I thought 40 or 50 eagles was good.  This year, we estimated 800 Bald Eagles on the Calamus River, Reservoir, and on the ranch.  Yes, 800.

We estimated 800 Bald Eagles to be at the Calamus Reservoir on the Delaware Nature Society trip to Nebraska this past March. Photo by Hank Davis.

While sorting through flocks of Bald Eagles, we found other birds.  I bet that when you think of Nebraska, pelicans aren’t the first thing that jump to your mind.  Well, American White Pelicans breed in prairie wetlands and lakes of North America, and migrate through the Great Plains.  We always find some at the Calamus Reservoir.  This year, there was a flock of about 100 feeding and lingering on the water.  These amazing birds are huge, brilliant white and black, and are a thrill to see cruising over the water.

An American White Pelican glides over the water at the Calamus Reservoir in Nebraska. The horn on top of the bill always takes me by surprise. Photo by Hank Davis.

The list of birds that use the reservoir as a stopover is long.  We found 19 species of waterfowl (that’s slang for ducks, geese, and swans) including a Tundra Swan which is rare in Nebraska, and 62 species of birds overall.  A special highlight for me was seeing both the Northern Shrike and the Loggerhead Shrike in the area.  The Northern was at the end of the Calamus outfitters driveway!  Enjoy some photos from our day around the reservoir. 

A Harris's Sparrow is a fairly common wintering bird in the central great plains. Photo by Hank Davis.

You can see why a Western Meadowlark is the state bird of Nebraska, they are absolutely everywhere and their song is the overwhelming sound of the prairie in March. Photo by Hank Davis.

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Your first reaction to seeing a flock of Wild Turkey running scared is to laugh. I am glad Ben Franklin did not get his way to have this bird be our national symbol. No one laughs when you see a Bald Eagle…unless you are giddy from seeing 800 of them. Photo by Hank Davis.

More highlights from the Delaware Nature Society Nebraska trip to follow in a few more blogs…

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