[wisb] WSO field trip report - Horicon

From: "Tom Schultz" <trschultz@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: "Wisbirdn" <wisbirdn@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Mon, 20 Aug 2012 18:15:10 -0500
On Sunday, August 19th about 45 enthusiastic birders met along Hwy. 49 at 
Horicon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge at 8:00 AM.  The sky was mostly 
cloudy to overcast, with cool temperatures and light winds -- although more 
sunshine and blue skies arrived eventually.  Initially, most of the 
attention was directed toward the south side of the road, across from the 
historical marker, where there were extensive (but drying) mudflats -- and 
where a Buff-breasted Sandpiper had been spotted the day before.  There were 
only small numbers of sandpipers present (partly because a Northern Harrier 
had just flown through a short time before), but there was a nice group of 
Baird's Sandpipers (initially about 14 -- later at least 30), along a fair 
number of Lesser Yellowlegs, and a few Pectoral, Semipalmated and Least 
Sandpipers.  Unfortunately, no Buff-breasted was spotted there.

After a little while, more birders started checking the north side of Hwy. 
49, where there were quite a few ducks gathered -- especially Blue-winged 
Teal and Mallards -- with a smattering of other species as well.  A good 
number of Am. White Pelicans were present, and an assortment of cormorants, 
Great Egrets and Great Blue Herons, and a few Black Terns flying around. 
Several Black-bellied Plovers were spotted, as well as Semipalmated Plovers, 
and more yellowlegs, and a group of three Black-necked Stilts.  Suddenly a 
Red-necked Phalarope was found, and everyone directed their attention to 
finding it and finally most achieved decent looks -- especially when the 
group moved further down the road to the west.

Following a thorough search of the area with spotting scopes, the group 
headed over to the auto tour, and parked near the west end of the Old Marsh 
Road -- where we walked out about a mile or so.  There were shorebirds 
present here and there, and the group eventually accumulated a nice list. 
Both Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs provided good comparison views, along 
with a Long-billed Dowitcher (unfortunately with a broken leg), which was 
identified by the broader black bars on the tail feathers, plump shape and 
very long bill.

A Peregrine Falcon (possibly two) provided entertainment from time to time 
as it periodically cruised the mudflats chasing the sandpipers, and in at 
least one case was successful in catching one.  It perched in a nearby tree 
clutching and eating an unfortunate Pectoral Sandpiper, providing good looks 
and photo-ops for many.  Several Bald Eagles were also present, and also a 
Northern Harrier at one point.

The drying mudflats in one area were filled with numerous clumps of dead 
cattail stalks, grasses and other scattered vegetation, making it a real 
challenge to spot and identify the sandpipers that were often hidden.  Along 
with the more common specie, sharp eyes eventually found a Willett and a 
Buff-breasted Sandpiper, and decent views were finally obtained by most. 
Other birds of interest along Old Marsh Road included Belted Kingfisher, 
Common Gallinule and Virginia Rail.

After completing the auto tour, some went back to Hwy. 49 to check one last 
time for other possible species, but nothing new was spotted.  The field 
trip broke up right around noon, accumulating a nice list of 17 shorebirds, 
and about 90 species altogether.  Thanks to Jeff Baughman for co-leading 
this event, and also to all the great participants who helped to make the 
day a success -- including two visitors who had come all the way from Texas!

Tom Schultz
WSO Field Trips co-chair
Green Lake Co. 

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[wisb] WSO field trip report - Horicon

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