|
In This Section:
Past Society Events
The Wilds - Inaugural Field Trip
June 12, 2004
Fortunately, after the monsoons of June 11, the following day dawned rain-free for the Ohio Ornithological Society’s field trip to The Wilds. Thirty-two members and guests joined OOS board members Peter King and Jim McCormac at the rendezvous point at 8:00 am, and we were met by Al Parker of The Wilds and two of his staff, Sam and Gabe.
The Wilds provided a sturdy but somewhat vintage bus capable of holding our entire group, and piloted by the capable Gabe, off we went to look for birds. First stop was a large cattail-dominated wetland, where we were treated to good looks at a hunting Willow Flycatcher, a bold male Killdeer guarding his mate who was hunkered down on her nest, and a flyover Osprey. A piercing Keeow alerted us to a Green Heron passing over, then a Yellow-billed Cuckoo put in a brief appearance. Good looks were had of a 1st-year male Orchard Oriole in need of singing lessons, followed by Janet Duerr’s amazing spot of a well-concealed Eastern Kingbird on a nest. By the parking area, a White-eyed Vireo sang his incessant Pick up the beer... Check! but was reluctant to reveal himself.
Heading into the grasslands, we paused at the junction of Scott and Zion Ridge roads, where Bobolinks caught our eye. Then, lopping over the ridge like an enormous predatorial moth came a Short-eared Owl! The owl was quite a treat as it hunted in front of our group, finally plunging into the grasses and emerging with a fat meadow vole. Then, a female Northern Harrier appeared, treating us to her buoyant flight. Both of these species are quite rare as breeders in Ohio, but probably are nesting at The Wilds this year.
Down Zion Ridge Road we went, to meet up with professor Danny Ingold of Muskingum College. Danny, with the help of Jason Larson, was conducting research on grassland birds, including mist netting and banding, and was good enough to share his work with us. We got to see Grasshopper and Savannah sparrows in the hand, and observe the subtle beauty of these shy, retiring species. All around, hordes of Bobolinks kept up a cacophony of their bubbly tunes, and many Henslow’s Sparrows emitted their rather pathetic 2/3 of a second cricket-like hiccup. It was a good spot to hear other sparrows and learn their tunes, including Grasshopper, Savannah, Song and Field sparrows. Some of the seemingly ever-present Orchard Orioles were engaged in nest construction, and lots of singing Eastern Meadowlarks added to the background chorus.
Off we went, to an area where the grasslands were interspersed with lots of brush, where we heard two singing Prairie Warblers. A fierce bout of pishing by some of us provoked an angry male Common Yellowthroat to charge up to the group and offer glimpses of his striking plumage, suggestive of a bandit with mask. A distant Yellow-breasted Chat hooted and whistled a bit, but was not cooperative.
Nearby, off State Route 284, we walked out to the overlook hill where The Wilds will soon be building a large, elevated platform replete with interpretive signage for birders. This site offers a commanding vista of a huge chunk of The Wilds, and should be a sensational place to observe wintering raptors, such as the Golden Eagles that winter here.
Being that it was nearly noon, we retreated to the restaurant run by The Wilds, where we were treated to a wonderful feast. Not only was the food excellent and abundant, but it was a great opportunity for all of us to interact and learn more about each other. We gave the restaurant and its staff an excellent rating, and strongly recommend a visit.
Being of a mind to refresh what we had learned about grassland birds that morning, back we went to the junction of Scott and Zion Ridge roads. Now, there was not just one Northern Harrier, but a family unit of four birds! It was great to see that these rare Ohio breeders were nesting here. Along with the usual cast of grassland suspects was perhaps the world’s most extroverted Henslow’s Sparrow. This stud perched on a stunted shrub close at hand, and allowed us fantastic looks through scopes, in between his spirited attacks on apparent rival males.
Our trusty bus driver, Gabe, may wish to consider a career as a Baja 500 offroad racer. Al Parker knew of a territorial Cerulean Warbler off in some woods nearby, and of course we all wanted to try for that one. But, to get there required bulldogging the old bus down a road that even a jeep club might have looked at twice. Filled with potholes and muddy washouts, I suspect that some of our party wondered how the tow truck would ever reach us at times, but Gabe managed to get us back to the spot. After a bit of a hike back into the woods, we were rewarded with song of the Cerulean Warbler, and some of us even managed a glimpse of him through the dense foliage. Al Parker’s nicely done imitation of an Eastern Wood-Pewee stimulated the real McCoy to come in close, and then we had a Scarlet Tanager sing nearby. Upon return to the bus, we had good looks at Acadian Flycatchers, as well as the ever present Eastern Towhees and Cedar Waxwings.
All too soon, it was time to return to the parking lot on our magic bus, and call it a wrap. I think that all of us considered this a trip well taken, and a good time was had by all. A total of 72 species was tallied. It was fantastic to meet birders from around the state, and get to spend time in the field with everyone. We especially wish to thank The Wilds for their hospitality, and for being so open to catering to the birding community. I’d encourage everyone to visit – for more information, please go to www.thewilds.org
Jim McCormac, President
Ohio Ornithological Society
|