We were pleasantly surprised to find the day was not as hot or humid - at least to start - as we'd feared. There was even a pleasant cool breeze to help us enjoy this month's walk. The prairie was in bloom so we spent some time examining the flowers, butterflies and dragonflies. One of us had a copy of Seek on his phone. That provided a lot of identifications for the foliage challenged among us. And of course, we saw a number of interesting birds. Perhaps the most memorable was a close enoucounter with a flying Green Heron. This bird was making the most interesting, loud, mechanical sounds as it flew by. Amerian Goldfinches were everywhere. We heard a couple of Indigo Buntings but the rascals never did show themselves. All in all it was a very enjoyable walk for this time of the year. If you couldn't be with us, we hope you can join us for our September Walk. Details will be provided closer to the date of the walk.
There's a
complete list of bird species seen below. Thanks once again to Karen Etter Hale for the excellent field notes.
Bird list for the August Walk:
Korth Park--general, Jefferson, Wisconsin, US
Aug 28, 2021 8:25 AM - 11:00 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.1 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: 71; mostly cloudy; SW 5mph (start) to 77; mostly sunny; SW 5mph (end).
Jefferson/Dodge Birding Walk with Brad Webb, John Crump, Bob Volenec, Mark Pickhard.
Walk from Elm Pt. Rd. parking through prairie along west edge of park to upper
shelter area, east to lake, and along bike trail to start.
Many monarchs, 1 great spangled fritillary, 1 cabbage and 1 red admiral butterflies.
Many dragonflies once it warmed up: several black saddlebags
and Halloween pennants, single widow skimmer, common green darner,
and E. pondhawk (or blue dasher). Several species of goldenrod, grasses,
and other lovely prairie plants blooming.
21 species (+2 other taxa)
Species Count Comments
Canada Goose 1
Mallard 3
Mourning Dove 3
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1 At feeder at house on top of hill.
Sandhill Crane 4 2 flying, others calling.
gull sp. 3
Green Heron 1 When we first heard it call, it sounded like some kind of
mechanical device, but this became a "normal" call as it flew past us along the lakeshore.
Turkey Vulture 3
Downy Woodpecker 3
Warbling Vireo 1 Singing, near lake.
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 3
Black-capped Chickadee 8
Barn Swallow 3
White-breasted Nuthatch 4
Gray Catbird 1
American Robin 4
House Sparrow 9
American Goldfinch 17
Chipping Sparrow 2
blackbird sp. 13 Flyover.
Northern Cardinal 1
Indigo Bunting 2
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S93918505
21 Species seen.
August Bird Walk - Korth Park Prairie