FreeLists / birdky / [birdky] Sloughs Fieldtrip

[David Roemer <dlroemer@xxxxxxxxx>]

Sorry for the delay, I just got home from work where
I've been since 630 yesterday morning.

Twenty-two observers recorded 76 species, with
highlights being:

1-2 Virginia Rails
15+ Soras
2 American Bitterns
3 Great Egrets
11 species of waterfowl
Bald Eagle  3 adults, 1 1st yr, and 1 or 2 chicks in
nest
8 species of shorebirds
American Pipits
2 Vesper Sparrows

Good habitat for marsh birds was non-existent at Hardy
Slough due to low water levels.  We spent the
afternoon at Pond Creek Marsh, and found the habitat
to be excellent.  We never had to walk far without
flushing birds.  

All had fabulous looks at a very cooperative Virginia
Rail that we watched for about 20 minutes.  We were
able to get within 3 feet of it before it flushed, and
it then flew by me close enough that I could have
caught it.

We also enjoyed extended looks at a gorgeous
alternate-plumaged Sora that attempted to wait us out
by hiding in sparse vegetation, then taking its time
walking and swimming away when it decided we knew it
was there.  

Both American Bitterns afforded excellent looks, with
one circling back and doing a nice fly-by for us to
ooh and aah about.

A pair of Vesper Sparrows treated us to leisurely
through-the-scope views as they fed in short
vegetation near the road.

It was a fabulous day to be out, and I wish to thank
all the participants.

Dave

 





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