Note the white eye-ring, gray face, and pink bill of this Field Sparrow, which was found along the Upland Trail. They nest in Iowa. Their song is a repeated clear whistled note on one pitch that increases in rate (like a dropped ping-pong ball) until they make a trill. 4/12/14 (Wolf. Oesterreich)
This is a northwest view across the south lake, taken from near the spillway. A large raft of waterfowl was present and included Gadwalls (200+), American Wigeons (9+), Blue-winged Teal (2), Northern Shovelers (110+), Green-winged Teal (13+), Ring-necked Ducks (2), Lesser Scaups (24+), and Buffleheads (15+). Non-waterfowl included Common Loons (4), Pied-billed Grebes (5), Horned Grebes (3), and American Coots (124+). The first Purple Martin was found flying over the south wetland complex. A Great Egret stood in the waters of Pond H. Two Ospreys hunted over both of the main lakes. 4/10/14 (Wolf. Oesterreich)
Northern Painted Turtles exited hibernation and have emerged from the muds at the bottom of the ponds. This one was basking on a log at Jensen Pond. 4/12/2014 (Wolf. Oesterreich)
I found the first 2 Variegated Meadowhawks on the 9th. Today (11th) they were everywhere. They commonly perch on the ground and will fly off as one approaches. Also found today were the first Common Green Darners. 4/11/14 (Wolf. Oesterreich)
I was a bit concerned that the approaching storm would hit before I had completed my ride. I didn't need to worry as only a few sprinkles fell. You can see the storm splitting (behind the bluff area). 4/7/13 (Wolf. Oesterreich)
The first Mourning Cloak of the season was found on 8 March. This worn specimen (missing part of the right wing) probably overwintered locally and had just recently emerged. Adults prefer tree sap, especially that of oaks. They will also feed on rotting fruit. They mate in Spring.
Two anglewings (either Question Mark or Eastern Comma) were also found at the bluff woods today.
The first 2 Variegated Meadowhawks (dragonfly) of the season were present.
4/5/14 (Wolf. Oesterreich)
Eastern Chipmunks have emerged from their chambers. Depending on how deep their tunnels descended and the amount of insulation in the chamber, surviving the Winter months was rather precarious. In places, the soil was frozen down to 4 feet. 4/5/14 (Wolf. Oesterreich)
