I spent over 3 hours at Paradise Valley SWA this morning and it was very
active. (FOY) American Bitterns called from at least 4 different locations
as did at least 3 (FOY) Soras. Of the two calling (FOY)Virginia Rails, one
scurried across an opening in the cattails and I was able to see it. Swamp
Sparrows were abundant and singing, and a White-throated Sparrow sang
somewhere near the parking lot where Ruby-crowned Kinglet, House Wren, and
Field Sparrow were also singing. From near the disabled hunter's blind I
spotted a flying Wilson's Snipe, and a Greater Yellowlegs seemed to be
looking for a place to land but the water was too high for it, I suppose.
Yellow-headed Blackbirds were both heard and seen. While I was sorting
through the nice variety of waterfowl, I was joined by Anne M. who was
scouting for a field trip she is leading this weekend. Together we spotted 3
first summer Trumpeter Swans, 4 American White Pelicans, and 2
Double-crested Cormorants. A Harrier was hunting far to the west. Anne told
me that if I went farther south, I would find (FOY) Marsh Wrens, and I was
not disappointed since 2 were singing and 1 of them came into view. Anne had
also heard a Least Bittern, but I did not hear that one. Thanks to Andrea S.
for her post which inspired me to visit the SWA today. (We did not see
Black-necked Stilts on this visit).
Anne had mentioned seeing a Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher at Paradise Springs in the
Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest so I went there and saw MY (FOY) of
that species near the pond just in back of the parking lot.
Thomas Wood, Menomonee Falls, Waukesha County
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