Location of the Month: Weaver Park
Weaver Park. Photo by Zak Sutton.
By Colin Dobson, CCAS President
Given the recent proposals for developing Weaver Park, I figured this month I would discuss how to 'bird' this site as it is in its current state. This is truly a unique park with multiple different habitat types within a small confined area in the middle of the urban matrix of Urbana. The remnant forests in the north section, large prairie throughout, and small but vibrant wetland on the southeast corner make this location a must-visit in the fall to see migrants who use this site as a crucial stopover site.
Although there are multiple ways to access this site, the two locations where I usually park are the parking lot on the south side of Main Street or at the west end of E Illinois Street, which is even with the wetland. Typically I like starting around the wetland. Usually I go around the wetland, up to the forest, around the prairie, and then stop back at the wetlands again. There are many trails throughout this park and you'll never know what you may find!
This time of year (October) it is best to look for prairie and wetland migrants that can be found at this park, but hard to see. A couple of species that birders specifically look for are Nelson's and LeConte's Sparrow. I typically have the best luck with Nelson's in the cattails on the west side of the wetland. For LeConte's, the best luck is just northwest of the wetland in the dry grasses between the wetland and the north-south main trail. Nelson prefers wetter habitats and LeConte's prefers drier, yellower grasses. Sometimes areas of foxtail can be more important to look for when searching for LeConte's as this species can be found more often in this grass species.
While searching for these species, you may encounter some other species. A few ducks, Pied-billed Grebes, and coots can be seen during both spring and fall in the wetland. Rails, Marsh Wrens, and rarely bitterns can be found along the edges in the cattails, as well as plenty of Swamp and Song Sparrows. Typically more sparrows prefer to be along the short ditch to the north and northeast of the wetland as well. In LeConte's area, more expected species include Savannah and Song Sparrows, but also Sedge Wren is a possibility. Don't forget to check for migrants in the forest along the north sections of the park!
Summer is also a great time to visit! In late summer, Sedge Wrens can be heard calling throughout the prairie. Eastern Kingbirds, Orchard Orioles, and Blue Grosbeaks can be heard along the west sections of the park on a daily basis. I also love going to the park in February/March just after the first warm-weather day, as this is the perfect location to see and hear the return of Red-winged Blackbirds. The ideal sign of spring's return!