Field Notes: Spring Migration is Underway!

Birders on a Woodcock Walk led by aerin tedesco. Photo by aerin tedesco

By aerin tedesco, CCAS Field Trip Chair

I don’t know about you, but lately to me it really feels like Spring is on the horizon! The first Red-winged Blackbirds are starting to appear on the side of the road. Their Common Grackle cousins are heard squawking nearby. An Eastern Towhee pops up in the corner of the yard, and a couple of Song Sparrows are mixed in with the White-throated Sparrows. Always happy to see these harbingers of heavier migration to come!

A group of hearty birders braved the swirling winds at Meadowbrook Park on Friday, March 14 for the first of two CCAS Woodcock walks. Though the conditions were not ideal, we did hear at least six birds, and most of them displayed, giving us great looks in the fading light.

The woodcock walk on March 17 was incredible! The woodcocks were extremely vocal, spread out, and seemingly very curious of our group. A tall attendee in our group was almost hit by one flying! Attendees heard interesting vocalizations, had good looks at the birds features, and were even able to hear a Barred Owl vocalizing!

Sunday Morning Bird Walks at Crystal Lake/Busey Woods have resumed and will continue until the end of May. We will also be adding some other, smaller bird walks during peak migration, so please check our website for those.

Also, SAVE THE DATE for the CCAS Spring Bird-a-thon, Sunday, May 11 to Sunday, May 18! Stay tuned for details on our website and in a future newsletter.

The birds are coming back and we will be ready!