Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)

https://islandinthenet.com/great-blue-heron-ardea-herodias/

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Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)

https://islandinthenet.com/song-sparrow-melospiza-melodia-4/

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When I was ready to leave I turned around to see a small group of birders talking excitedly and staring at the ground. I asked if they were looking for the bullfrog I had heard earlier. They answered yes and pointed at the large pool of water. I had walked by, heard the bullfrog, but I was so focused on birds that I did not notice him in the puddle.

The Charles H. Rogers Wildlife Refuge provides an excellent habitat for American bullfrogs with its open marsh, diversity of food sources, and proximity to Stony Brook. The refuge's wetlands, ponds, and natural water drainage system create suitable aquatic environments for bullfrogs to thrive and reproduce.

https://islandinthenet.com/american-bullfrog-lithobates-catesbeianus/

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After the overcast days of the past few weeks, I was happy to see some sunshine. It was early morning, and Institute Woods and Charles H. Rogers Wildlife Refuge were full of sun, bird watchers, and photographers for the World Series of Birding Day. I walked around the outer edge of the swamp marsh at Charles H. Rogers Wildlife Refuge to the southwestern edge. I saw the Purple Martin before I heard it. I don’t think it made any sounds.

I identified this bird as a female Purple Martin by uploading it to iNaturalist. While Merlin ID can identify birds by sound and visuals, what makes iNaturalist appealing is that other app users can confirm the identification. This gives me confidence that the identification is correct.

The female Purple Martin (Progne subis) has a greyish-brown upper body, a lighter, pale belly, and faintly streaked underparts. This muted colouring provides camouflage, helping her protect the nest and young from predators. Female Purple Martins collect twigs and other materials to construct sturdy nests. Twigs and softer materials like grass and leaves ensure the nest is well-insulated and comfortable, maintaining a stable temperature for egg incubation and chick development. A sunny morning is perfect for starting a twig collection. Dry materials help control moisture, preventing mould and bacteria growth.

Charles H. Rogers Wildlife Refuge offers Purple Martins an ideal habitat with open wetlands, dedicated nesting structures, and abundant insects. The diverse ecosystem, proximity to water, and managed environment provide excellent conditions for these aerial insectivores. Ongoing conservation efforts ensure the refuge remains a suitable home for Purple Martins.

https://islandinthenet.com/female-purple-martin-progne-subis/

#BirdPhotography #BirdWatching #Birding #CharlesHRogersWildlifeRefuge #LensArtistPhotoChallenge #LensArtists #ProgneSubis #PurpleMartin #WildlifePhotography #WorldSeriesOfBirding