Marrott Woods Nature Preserve – May 23, 2026
By Matthew Krohn
On a cloudy but warm Saturday morning, hike leaders Brandon Roberts and Matthew Krohn led eight eager birders on a search for late spring migrants and birds nesting for the summer at Marott Woods Nature Preserve.
Being this late in spring migration, the trees were full of leaves, making visual scanning for birds difficult. Thankfully, many birds were singing, and the group was occasionally able to catch a glimpse of a songbird through the foliage.
Early on, the group encountered a singing Yellow-throated Vireo accompanied by a Red-eyed Vireo for comparison. Wood Thrushes and Acadian Flycatchers in the distance added to the chorus. Near the creek, participants were able to get great looks at Tennessee Warblers, a Magnolia Warbler, and several Bay-breasted Warblers.
Later in the morning, the sun appeared, and a small bird flew in right above the group: a silent and very cooperative Northern Parula! Everyone was able to see the Parula, a bird that often can only be heard high in the canopy. Shortly after, Brandon spotted a pair of foraging Philadelphia Vireos to cap off the morning.
In total, the group identified 45 species, many of them seen, something not guaranteed in late spring or summer. Thanks to Friends of Marott Woods Nature Preserve for helping to orchestrate this memorable morning!
Want to view their eBird checklist? Check it out here.