Eleven people met this morning on Flat Iron Road by the FLLT's Goetchius Wetland Preserve, the temperature starting cold but quickly warming as the sun crested the nearby hill. We walked north towards some singing Eastern Meadowlarks and Field Sparrows, scanning unsuccessfully until one sang loudly from atop the tree right above us then flew into the field to forage, ducking in and out of the medium-short grass giving good but fleeting views. We walked south towards the wetter area, dominated by singing Swamp Sparrows, a few sitting prominently for good looks. A pair of Eastern Bluebirds perched nicely against the morning sun, while two Brown Thrashers appeared atop a bush before flying across the road to forage in a lawn. At least three Chipping Sparrows foraged on the grass near the road.
Walking back towards our cars, we flushed two shorebirds from the ditch who flew into the wet field, from where their repetitive calls were eventually identified by Merlin as Wilson's Snipes. We then heard winnowing noise as one flew about overhead doing its display flight, followed by a second winnowing individual displaying to our right. The snipes kept making short flights - at least 5-6 individuals by our estimate - but would always land in the grass out of sight. For breakfast we returned to Dolce Delight, eating outside while House Sparrows foraged on the ground close to our tables.
Next week, we will meet at the Ellis Hollow Community Center (111 Genung Road), from where we will carpool to the nearby Durland Preserve. Small portions of the trail are wet, which should be passable with decent hiking boots, but muck boots are probably better. From East Hill Plaza, drive east for 2.6 miles and turn left onto Genung Road.
