Trip report: earlier this summer I visited Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge, the site of a former golf course atop a ridge to the south of Stroudsburg, PA. A golf-course-turned-refuge may sound odd, but re-wilding this property makes it an ideal destination for wildlife watchers such as myself.
The NWR has kept the golf course theme of a “front nine” and “back nine,” complete with the paved cart paths, although most other traces of the course itself are long gone. The fairways are given over to native fields and meadows, cut through by a clearwater stream and edged by hardwood forest, which provides ample habitat for a wide range of species. I opted to walk the “front nine” path on my visit, which was a bit over 2 miles during which time I spotted 14 species of birds, plus the ubiquitous white-tailed deer, which isn’t bad for a hot summertime mid-morning.
My first species, the yellow warbler at the start of the gallery above, came within minutes of leaving the parking lot – I watched him preen near the creek for a little while, before moving on. Working through the gallery, I spotted the wood thrush on the cart path, what I’m about 85% sure is an eastern warbling vireo on its nest, and finally an uncommonly sociable redstart, who descended to a young tree and put on a whole concert for me.
The only downside of my morning was the course’s overall east-west layout, which had me facing into the sun part of the time, making for challenging lighting. Several times my subjects were either in silhouette, or against blown out backgrounds, so I became rather selective in the shots I’d attempt.
But in contrast, the cart path was a delight. I’ve become rather paranoid of ticks over the past decade, as their population has exploded and mild winters have failed to push them back. These days I am very resistant to walking through any kind of tall grass, nevermind any brush, so I found the safe width of the path delightful. It was much easier to enjoy myself without having that particular anxiety weighing on me!
As for the vireo, that’s the third nest that I’ve practically walked – or kayaked – into this year. I didn’t even realize it was at my elbow on the edge of the path until it dawned on me that one of the parents, who I was desperately tracking with the camera, was mad about something. When I looked and discovered myself within reach of their nest, I backed off and gave them some space, hoping that with some calm and patience I might get a better shot. Sadly, the parent on the nest didn’t move, and I was denied a better look. But based on what I could see, and the nest itself, I’m fairly confident it’s a vireo. Hopefully next year it chooses a better nesting site!
With my first visit a success, I’m looking forward to returning and exploring the “back nine” soon!