Lye Creek Prairie Burn – April 11, 2026
It was a beautiful, sunny day at the Burn where 10 eager participants joined Nick Kiehl for a hike through the prairie and surrounding areas. The group was welcomed by a perched and singing Vesper Sparrow in the small tree at the entrance. All around the parking area were Savannah Sparrows running from hiding spot to hiding spot. The birds were active and ready to greet us.
As we walked down the trail, a Ring-necked Pheasant sauntered further down the path giving everyone great looks. The Northern Bobwhites were all around as well but did not show themselves.
Several birds flew over the prairie including a nice flock of Pectoral Sandpipers, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, some Wood Ducks, Canada Geese, and numerous Red-winged Blackbirds. We could hear a Sora in the wet area and we scared up about 30 Wilson’s Snipe.
The feeders were active with beautiful White-crowned Sparrows, American Goldfinches transitioning to their breeding colors, and the usual feeder birds. We did not see the Eurasian Tree Sparrow, but his appearance had been spotty prior to our visit.
We then drove down the road to the flooded farm field east of the Burn and were very pleased to get 41 American Golden Plovers, two Dunlin, and better looks at the shorebirds who had flown over the prairie. We drove down to the cornfield where Smith’s Longspur had been seen the day before, but we were unable to locate them.
The group was able to see 40 species of birds and so appreciated the opportunity to visit such a magical site on a beautiful spring day. Thanks goes to Shari for her welcoming all birders to the Burn, and to Nick for his fine leadership.