I decided to brave the weather again today. Despite the 30-50mph ENE winds, mid 30’s temperature, and sideways rain/sleet/ice, it was a great day to be out. The birds were all feeding on the ground, just like yesterday! I started off at Pennsylvania Ave, in Oak Creek. I wanted to see if the Wilson’s Snipe would still be in the ditches, along the water. I pulled in, looked down, and there was one right away! It was only about 25′ from my truck. I sat in my truck and watched him feed and forage the water line for about 45 minutes. Also present in the ditches, were 11 rain-soaked Yellow-rumped Warblers and a Golden-crowned Kinglet, feeding along the top of the water. They did not seem too happy with the weather. There was a decent mixed flock of blackbirds, a bunch of robins and a few ducks, as well. I checked the pond behind the dance studio and was rewarded with a great variety of ducks. There was a pair of Ring-necked Ducks and Redheads, 1 Northern Shoveler, 5 Blue-winged teal, 6 Lesser Scaup and 9 Red-breasted Merganser.
My next stop was Bender Park. As soon as I entered, I saw 5 Wild Turkey cross the road. There were a good number of sparrows in the parking lot, with some robins, but nothing unusual. Down by the boat landing, there were a good number of ducks, including 26 Red-breasted Merganser, 9 Bufflehead, and 8 Common Goldeneye. The waves were huge and there wasn’t much beach to be seen. The water was going all the way up to the rocks.
My third stop was Grant Park. The bird feeder area was very good, as you would expect today, although nothing unusual. Highlights were 25+ juncos and 1 singing Fox Sparrow. At the pond, by the tennis courts, there were 2 Belted Kingfisher, 11 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Blue-winged teal and a few kinglets flitting about the edges. By picnic area 5, there were over 70 American Robins, 2 Northern Flickers, 2 Yellow-rumped Warblers and a Ruby-crowned Kinglet, all feeding in the grass, between the parking lot and pavilion. There were a lot of birds in a small area. Over by the Wil-o-Way area, there were 4 Hermit Thrushes, feeding along and on the road. They were eating worms from the road and berries from the trees. The small pond had 4 Wood Ducks and couple Mallard.
My last stop for the day was Forest Hill Community Gardens. I had never been here before, but heard there was a Vesper Sparrow seen, so I thought I’d check it out. I pulled in the gravel road and went back. I saw several flickers, sparrows and a some of robins fly up to the trees. I stopped and started scanning the area with my binoculars. Instantly, I found an American Woodcock! He was foraging alongside of the gravel drive. I quickly grabbed my camera and took two photos, before it kind of disappeared in the grass. I thought to myself, “just come out in the open”. Just so happens, that’s exactly what it did! Not only that, it walked, or should I say rocked and bobbed, across the drive. They walk very slow, rocking and bobbing, up and down. I’ve never seen one walk, so I had no idea that’s how they move, quite interesting. Normally I only see woodcocks, when they’re scaring the hell out of me, while walking through the woods!
Despite the brutal conditions, I ended with 44 species for the day. Here are some of the images from today, with links to the woodcock and snipe pages.
American Woodcock – http://www.jmeyerphotography.net/photo-gallery/photo-gallery-2/american-woodcock/
Wilson’s Snipe – http://www.jmeyerphotography.net/photo-gallery/photo-gallery-2/wilsons-snipe/
It is not uncommon to see a Wilson’s Snipe out in the open, but to see an American Woodcock as you did is a rare treat. Terrific images of both birds. Thanks, Jeremy.