Goose Pond Field Trip Recap
On November 19,2023, eight adventurous ladies joined our outstanding leaders, Richard Garrett and Mark Welter, for the ABAS Field Trip to Goose Pond. Starting at Beehunter 5 (BH5) on Farmhouse Road, we had seven species of sparrows including American Tree, Savannah, Song, White-crowned, White-throated, Field, and Swamp Sparrows. Unfortunately, the elusive LeConte’s Sparrow remained elusive.
Then we were off the Main Pool East (MPE) 3 and 4, where we had some nice shorebirds including a late Lesser Yellowlegs, two Greater Yellowlegs, 36 Wilson’s Snipe, and 25 Dunlin. The open area allowed nice views of some ducks and raptor species, but the surprise bird in that area was an American Bittern.
Our third stop was around the lakes near Dugger, IN. On the water were 11 species of waterfowl including nice looks at Redhead and Ring-necked Ducks. At this stop the surprise bird was a Northern Shrike that flew in just as a Northern Mockingbird flew out.
Our final stop to Bear Run Mine was a great way to end our adventure with at least 12 Short-eared Owls, two Rough-legged Hawks, five Northern Harriers, and 20 American Pipits.
I would be remiss if I didn’t highlight the trip with the 11 Whooping Cranes we saw earlier in the day among the Sandhill Cranes, which for many were the “Birds of the Day”. Appreciation goes to Richard and Mark for their great expertise and leadership.