Trip Day 8 , at Woodbine May 1, 2021
It was a very cool morning with the temps getting to 44 F but reaching 62F and sunny skies all day. Can’t beat that for good days to get out on the sun and enjoy the fresh air.
We did just that with a trip to the Archibald Audubon Sanctuary we had put off two days. We followed MD 144 again and this time were able to stay on course. Making one turn onto Boyer MIlls Rd. we found the Sanctuary with a very unobtrusive entrance as I went by at 50 mph. Ruth says “there it was”. There was just one sign at the entrance. We drove through deep woods to the parking area and found some benches and a picnic table at the edge of a very large meadow.
A good place to start. Near the covered gazebo, were two large Swallow houses built near the ground much differently than the ones high up a pole at Audrey Carrol A.S. we had seen two days ago. These were large houses about 5 feet off the ground with two baffles (snakes and varmints). The Tree Swallows were abundant. We sat and listened and watched for the activity in that spot which began to return after about 15 minutes. Birds don’t like interruptions. A Mockingbird caught our ear ,so finding it was the problem.( We do not count any bird if we cannot see it even though we know what it is. Birders unwritten law!) It was persistent but distant. Its voice carries like the Meadowlark a long ways across the land. Finally it flew which was a giveaway as the white wing flashes were easily seen.
A large hedge off to the side saw two Catbirds fly out suddenly and land in a tree at the edge of the meadow. They hung around all the time we were there and their musical call is evident. There were the ubiquitous Chipping Sparrows , many Tree swallows, Bluebirds, Cowbirds, and both a Hairy Woodpecker and a Veery. We did eat our packed lunch there as a being in a parked vehicle with the windows down, often brings good bird watching. (Saw the latter two birds then
Those Swallow nests near the ground .They were huge.
THere are two Pesky squirrels at the suet feeder only, as I revoved dead branches for access to the seed feeder.
After the DQ it was “head for the trailer”. It is always a good plan for us to have some “down time” when coming back to the trailer in order to download photos, make notes, clean out the cooler and put everything in its place once again.
So after the supper of Taco salad, one of my favorites that Ruth makes, and dishes done, we chilled out while I did watch the evening birds. They begin to be active for 30 minutes before the sun went down. Heard a few and saw some, but after 17 months of no “on the road birding”, I can see our senses need sharpening .
Tomorrow we will stay here, as on Sunday, the roads in this area will be very busy. (We’re just 20 miles from Baltimore). The campground is full but there might be time for some horseshoes or if it gets to 87 F as predicted, maybe a dip in the pool which is filled and ready to enjoy.
The children enjoy a ride in the hay wagon.
Tomorrow we will recap the day again. See you in church.
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