I was heading over to an area near the "Meadow" at Long Branch Nature
Center in Arlington this afternoon, near the head of an intermittent stream
that is popular habitat, when I heard a familiar twittering scolding call.
Followed by a game of hide-and-seek at or near ground level in treefall and
brush. Eventually the Winter Wren popped out long enough to give me a look
before it dove back into cover. I heard it again later while I worked
removing invasive plants.
Based on its behavior, I am tempted to say this bird and I "know" each
other from past seasons, but I recognize I am anthropomorphizing. Be that
as it may, I am delighted to hear and see my first of these little imps of
the season.
I also thought I heard one near my habitat brush pile in my backyard in
Glencarlyn Arlington later this afternoon. The yard was also warblery,
including Magnolia and Yellow-rumpeds.
Cheers, Steve Young, Glencarlyn/Long Branch Nature Center, Arlington
