samuel walker
It's OK to be a little blue........
I admire the job most of my local parks do in laying out trails to get into the woods and wetlands.The problem is that they are too good There is nothing worse than being revved up for a good day's outing and having half of the citizenry marching along with you with children under 7 years old flushing everything into the next county.My solution is to get your own private preserve.I've noticed on nearby land to the "official park trails are other unimproved sites.These little isolated pockets can be goldmines for birds and other wildlife.I have several of these private pockets that only a few know about.We are now moving into the peak of warbler season.A few tears ago I covered one of these sites to chase redheaded woodpeckers I was shocked to find it full of warblers in May.After many visits I began to meet a few birders wandering on its crude trails along the river.Conversations were spontaniuos usually "what warblers did you tick and did you see the wood ducks?"Closings were usually "I hope the park system never decides to develop this place and please don't tell anyone about this spot.I met an artist there who is a regular last year who showed me the prime spots for warblers along the river bank He dubbed the patch "Littlebird Lane" The private patch can reward the steady visitor with not only the wildlife but,the peace to enjoy it.Keep looking.
Sam
Sam