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Spring Birding

Summer 2006 Newsletter

The weeks have gone quickly since we had our first outing on March 23rd. The first two we concentrated on Spring Lake and points south. Week three found us at Green Island in a drizzle. Our “radios” came in handy as we birded from our vehicles for the most part. Observing both greater and lesser yellowlegs in the same field of view was a special treat. No problem knowing which was which in that situation!

During these concentrations, we had wonderful looks at virtually all the diversity of waterfowl we could have hoped for. To observe bufflehead behavior was sheer fun, and to add to that, a plethora of ruddy ducks like we have never seen. Moreover, our share of eagles, white pelicans, and sandhill cranes. We delighted in just being out, being together, and in the many memorable sights and sounds.

The following three weeks we shifted our focus from up to down as we searched for wildflowers at the Mississippi Palisades for two weeks, sandwiching Apple River Canyon State Park in between. We hit them all just right to see the early bloomers, such as hepatica and bloodroot, then the cliff-hugging bird’s-eye primrose at Apple River Canyon. Back to the Palisades where we were awestruck at the profusion of the great white trillium along with bluebells, and countless shooting stars. These were just the tip of the iceberg. Suffice to say, there is no other spot in our area that can hold a candle to Sentinel Trail off the south entrance to the Palisades. We are privileged to have it so close, as it is well worth the trip.

Kaufman prairie is always a treat in Dubuque. Perched atop a residential area and linear in scope, you are amazed that it survives. We tiptoed amongst birdfoot violet, blue-eyed grass and yellow star grass, among others, then enjoyed a visit to Eagle Point Park with a picnic lunch. Did I mention lunch? Eating seems to be an important part of the day!

One of our last trips was to Lost Mound Refuge, with Dan Wenny as our guide. In the gray rain we saw some spectacularly bright birds. A Scarlet Tanager hopped from branch to branch right in front of us, and two Yellow-Throated Vireos flitted in the trees, singing all the while.

As I write this, we aren't actually done, but we will be by the time you read this. We have a first-ever trip to Twin Ponds yet to come. We never know how many folks there will be, and that is not a problem either way. Newcomers may think we are pretty chatty, but truth be told, we have become a group of friends who love the world around us and being together. Not a bad combination!

—by Barbara Rutherford