Date: 4/24/26 10:36 pm From: Clayton Will <willcfish...> Subject: Re: [ia-bird] Ledges State Park (Not a Sighting)
Hi Jacob,
The Lost Lake trail is good for many Warblers. Just after you make a right
turn at the species interpretive sign there is a bank of brush with trees
behind that they migrate through and in the trees above. Spend a little
time at the Frog pond just past on the left. I videod a Hooded Warbler
there. Just before Lost Lake is where I was able to get a photo of a
Connecticut Warbler. When you get to Lost Lake there is potential for large
shorebirds and ducks. At Lost Lake trail parking lot if you're early
Woodthrush will be calling along with Pileated Woodpecker.
Across from the administration building look for Barred owls and one is out
catching food during the day now.
At the boat ramp there may be shorebirds on the sandbars, especially
North. I've had a Little Blue Heron there when the water was low. Also a
Say's Phoebe greeted me in a small willow right at the boat ramp.
In the High Water Pole parking lot there can be Northern Parula,
Yellow-throated Vireos and Yellow-throated Warblers and more calling from
the Sycamore trees.
In the Oak Savannah of the Upper Ledges I've found Scarlet Tanager, and
various thrush.
When you get down into the canyon the first parking lot past the first
bridge is a good place to listen for Louisiana Waterthrush and Warblers.
Another good place for Warblers is near the portable restrooms. Don't miss
the Cliff Swallows on the right another ford or two West. As you exit the
canyon and drive toward the North entrance of Lower Ledges (where Lost Lake
Trail and the boat ramp are located) there is a pulloff and a back water.
This can be good for Green Heron, Belted Kingfisher and shorebirds
depending on water levels. Also ducks and a good area for Prothonotary
Warlbers some years.
If the canyon is closed because of high water you can walk in part way from
the High Water Pole parking lot by crossing the bridge.
In the campground there's a walking trail in the Northeast corner.
Ledges is a wonderful place you can spend the entire day.
Good luck and have a great day birding,
Clayton Will
Madrid
On Thu, Apr 23, 2026 at 12:54 PM Jacob Wiese <jwiese66...> wrote:
