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| Dam Pond Maritime Reserve, a large area (approx. 36 acres) in East Marion, has been established for several years now. This site is perhaps best for birders during early spring migration, mid-fall migration and during the winter as a place to see ducks and other over-wintering land birds. Dam Pond is unique for its maritime red cedar forest. Also, contained in the reserve, are oaks, pines, hardwoods, successional fields, salt scrub and grass, and a shallow tidal pond that exits into Orient Harbor. In recent years, a grassland restoration project has been initiated and efforts have been made to remove invasive plant species.
Dam Pond gives the feel of being in many parts. The entry area is a mish-mash of stuff: a lovely little stand of white birch, locust, pine and cedar trees, invasive Russian Olives and multi-flora rose, a row of old stately trees lining the adjacent private road, and a small restored meadow area. Next is a section of oaks leading into a forested area. Adjacent to this wood is a successional field, which is ringed by brambles and salt scrub. The salt pond, with its muddy edges, offers another part of this interesting place. |
| In migration the warblers can be quite good here. I’ve recorded 16 species over the years. Three species regularly nest here; yellow, common yellowthroat and blue-wing warblers. One fall I even had a Connecticut Warbler! Fall migration can bring in a variety of sparrows and birds of prey, as well.
The open fields that abut the salt pond are convenient to the LI Sound; convenient for migrating birds of prey that have journeyed across the open Sound and are ready to do some hunting. The edges and fields are alive with small birds and rodents. These fields in summer are host to many species. The sky holds swallows and chimney swifts in their aerial acrobatics as they hunt the many insects rising from the salt marshes. Occasionally, one might see Purple Martins. The summer air is filled with the sounds of Goldfinch and their roller coaster flight. |
| There are many trail loop options at Dam Pond. One could make it a short visit there or a long visit. A small loop can be made around the first section, traveling through a mix of trees and scrubs and a small field. This first loop trail connects with the other parts of the area. This connecting trail is a junction of habitats; on one side are oaks and locust trees, and the other side opens up with a view of the salt pond, the Orient Causeway and an Osprey nest. (On the bay side of the causeway is a good spot for winter diving ducks.) This juncture is a good spot for warblers and vireos during migration. Chickadees seem to use the brambles and fragmites as a roadway as they move about on their business. This spot is where I usually find the first white-throated sparrows of the fall. Scan the pond for waders, ducks, swan, geese, gulls and the occasional kingfisher. |
| From this point, one can turn back to the parking lot or continue on the Red Trail that turns north into the wooded section or continue east along the Green Trail that rings the peninsula. The time of day and the direction of the sun could dictate one’s route. The trail that runs along this edge is lined with brambles, salt scrub, maples, pine, cedar and cherry trees. One could see robins, chickadees, cardinals, catbirds or sparrows. This trail has openings to overlook the pond and one offers a great view of an Osprey platform. At these overlooks, scan the shores and small islands for shorebirds, especially Yellowlegs and Spotted Sandpipers. Scan the sky above the sandbar for gulls and terns. Intersecting this trail are two paths running north and south through the fields. Watch for sparrows, yellow warbler and Goldfinch. The Town has erected many nesting boxes, which are utilized by house wren or sometimes tree swallows. The north side of this outer loop has a nice stand of cedar trees that usually has something bouncing around; it could be a good spot for kinglets or warblers. The trail continues into the forest section where woodpeckers, thrushes, towhees, flycatchers, warblers or orioles could be found, depending on the time of year. During the winter, hermit thrush has been known to over-winter. There is a small kettle-like pond off the main trail worth checking out. Beyond this pond is a small fresh water wetland where, one summer, I had seen and heard a Green Heron; perhaps it was nesting. There are no official trails into this wetland area.
A note of caution: There are ticks, so dress appropriately and check yourself carefully! Good Birding, Jody! |
| DAM POND RESERVE EAST MARION Birding on the North Fork with Jody 6th in the occassional series of places to bird, as Jody wanders the North Fork in search of birds! |
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| Common Yellowthroat Photo by Jimmy Galletto |
| Yellow Warbler Photo by Jimmy Galletto |
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| DIRECTIONS:
(click here for Google Map) From the West: Travel on Rt. 25 from Greenport through the Village of East Marion. ½ mile east of the E.M. Firehouse, north side of the road, will be a dirt road on left side. The approach to the turn can be tricky. A private road lies parallel to the turn-off. The sign indicating the reserve is turned in such a way that makes it difficult to see as approached from the west. The entrance to the reserve is the second road; turn left, travel past a private home into the parking area. A black wrought iron fence across the street should act as a visual clue to slow down, put one’s signal on. However, if you miss the entrance, the Orient Causeway is .3 miles and a convenient turn around spot is on the right. (The causeway is a good spot from which to scan the Orient Harbor.) From the East: On Rt. 25 from Orient .3 mile from the end of the causeway is a dirt road. Turn right and travel past a private home into the parking area. A sign for the reserve is easily visible. |