Saturday, 03 April 2010 Esopus Bend Nature Preserve, Saugerties Eighteen participants on an organized walk observed a first-of-season OSPREY in the cove at Esopus Bend Nature Preserve on Saturday, along with ~6 Yellow-rumped Warblers, a pair of Red-bellied Woodpeckers excavating a nest cavity, Eastern Bluebirds entering and existing a tree cavity, and White-breasted Nuthatches also entering a natural tree cavity. A few Rusty Blackbirds continue to move through the wetlands, but not in large numbers.
At least nine Eastern Commas and six Spring Azures were encountered along the trails; most of the commas in close proximity to their Stinging Nettle host plants. Sunday, 04 April 2010 Esopus Bend Nature Preserve, Saugerties This morning I encountered a first-of-season LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH singing on territory along the southern tributary, and several Ruby-crowned Kinglets singing in the hemlocks along the South Trail. More than two dozen Painted Turtles were out basking on logs in the beaver impoundment, and many wildflowers are in bloom, including Lyre-leaved Rock Cress, Bloodroot, Round-lobed Hepatica, and violets. Red Trillium, Wild Columbine, and Trout Lily were sporting large flower buds ready to open in the next day or two. Steve M. Chorvas Saugerties, NY [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
