BIRDS OF THE FIELDS AND WOODED AREAS
Rufous-sided Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus)
Underside white, orange on sides Tail is long, dark, with white corners About size and shape of a Robin
Towhees are more often heard than seen. Their loud scratching noise in the underbrush frequently frightens hikers. If disturbed, they will run on the ground to a place of safety. Their song is very distinctive and has been said to sound like “Drink your tea” with the tea ending extended, or “You and meeeee.” The Towhee generally breeds twice every summer, building its nest in a small shrub or on the ground. This nest is usually as difficult to discover as the bird itself.
Tree Swallow (Iridoprocne bicolor)
White throat and stomach Blue-green back and head Crescent-shaped wings, notched tail
Usually seen winging low over water, the Tree Swallow serves to clean the air of water-loving insects. These swallows appear on the Neck in great numbers during the fall, when the scarcity of insects changes their diet to Bayberries. Tree Swallows are among the last birds to migrate in the fall and always the first to return the following spring. Their nests are occasionally discovered in a hollow tree during May or June, but these little birds will readily accept a bird house in lieu of a hollow tree.
Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus)
Appears gray at a distance Square black tail with conspicuous white tip
Infrequently, one sees a Hawk being attacked in flight by a much smaller bird. This little ball of courage is likely to be the Kingbird. Because of its swiftness in flight, the Kingbird is an able fly catcher and feeds on flies regularly. It builds a nest on the Neck, usually high in a tree, affording it a good lookout post. Watch for this nest in June.
Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum)
Brown bird with light breast covered with dark streaks Long curved bill; very long tail
The Thrasher, and its cousin the Catbird, are both common summer residents and nest on Castle Neck. The Thrasher’s loud song, often mimicking other birds, is distinctive because every phrase occurs in pairs. When the nest is approached, the song changes into a series of short clucking noises, with an occasional hiss scolding the intruder. Persistent investigation may uncover the well-constructed nest on the ground. Look for this nest containing four brown-marked blue eggs during late May or June.
Mourning Dove (Zenaidura macroura)
A slim, brown bird Long pointed tail, bordered with white
This lovely, delicate dove occurs in every state of the Union. The waste areas on the Neck are especially suited to it because its main foodstuff is Pitch Pine seeds, weeds, and grasses. The Mourning Dove’s nest, placed in a Pitch Pine, is so carelessly made that it is apt to be mistaken for an old nest which is falling apart. Why it doesn’t do just this during the nesting season is a marvel. This beautiful dove is sometimes mistaken for its extinct cousin the Passenger Pigeon.
Sparrow Hawk (Falco sparverius)
Long pointed wings and long tail Our only small hawk with a black-banded rufous tail
In recent years this colorful hawk has become quite a city dweller, having little fear of humans. During May, four or five eggs are laid in a deserted Woodpecker’s hole or any convenient cavity. As one would guess from its size, the Sparrow Hawk feeds mainly on insects and seldom on a mouse or sparrow. It is often seen hovering over a field in search of prey or just surveying its feeding territory from a high vantage point.
Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)
Only large owl with ear tufts Gray appearance, with white throat patch Voice: Deep, penetrating “Hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo” (usually an odd number of hoo’s)
One or two of these magnificent birds can generally be found on any thorough search of the Neck. They hunt the Neck by night, taking a great toll of mice and other small animals. The Great Horned Owl nests earlier than any other New England bird, usually in February or March. So early, in fact, it occasionally returns from a hunt to find its nest and eggs covered with snow. A Great Horned can often be located during the day by following the sound of a noisy flock of Crows. These birds spend hours screaming and scolding Owls whenever they find one sleeping during the day.
Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia)
Only tiny all-yellow bird here Reddish streaks on breast of males
On first discovery, this warbler is likely to be identified as an escaped canary. Indeed, it is oftentimes called the “Wild Canary.” It has a very charming, persistent song, which it sings during most of the day. It builds a tiny nest lined with down in the fork of a shrub. Unfortunately, the Yellow Warbler arrives late in the spring and leaves us early in the fall.
Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas)
Male: All yellow, with a black mask over eyes Female: Drab olive color with bright yellow throat
A very familiar bird on Castle Neck, the Yellowthroat constantly makes its presence known by a bright “witchity-witchity” song, sounding as though it is asking “What-cha-see?” Its nest is built on or close to the ground and is a rather bulky affair, much larger than seems necessary for so small a bird. As with most of the warblers, the Yellowthroat’s diet consists entirely of insects—a characteristic that makes it a most valuable guest.