BIRDS OF THE SWAMPY AREAS
Redwinged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)
Male is black, with red shoulder patches Female is a brown, uninteresting bird
The male Redwing is familiar to everyone. His beautiful black plumage with red shoulder bars allows a rapid identification. He is usually seen flitting about over a marsh attempting to attract the attention of some admiring female. The nest is built in a shrub on the marsh in late May or June. Ordinarily it is well concealed, and often the only indication of its existence is the loud scolding of the anxious parents when intruders approach.
Black Duck (Anas rubripes)
In flight: A dark duck with silvery underwings On water: Light brown with a yellow bill Bright red feet
This heavily hunted waterfowl continues to breed even in well-populated areas. Its nest is found here on the edges of the many fresh-water pools that dot the Neck in association with the swamps. About nine white or buff-colored eggs are produced in May. After nesting, these ducks may still be seen feeding on submerged plants. They obtain their meal in a crazy “dabbling” fashion, standing on their heads so that only the tail protrudes above the surface.
Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)
White breast, black on back and on crown of head About Herring Gull size Long, wading legs
Although most active at night, these herons may be seen throughout the day resting or feeding. They wade about in both the fresh and salt marshes in search of fish or crustaceans, which they seize with their long bills. This heron nests only rarely, if ever, on the Neck now, but thirty years ago great rookeries were found here. These birds are still to be found on the Neck in fair numbers even though man’s invasion of the area has reduced its desirability as a nesting place.
Marsh Hawk (Circus cyaneus)
Males gray; females brown Medium-sized hawk Always with an obvious white rump
During the summer this handsome bird of prey is a familiar sight soaring close to the ground over all large marshy areas. In flight it holds its wings at an angle over its back, rather than parallel to the ground as do most hawks. It mates for life, bringing forth a brood of young once each summer. The nest is quite un-hawk-like, located on the ground and constructed of tall grasses. The Marsh Hawk leaves the area and migrates southward sometime in early September.