With the lack of rain here in central Indiana, mudflats are becoming exposed at Eagle Creek much earlier then I ever remember and the shorebirds are taking full advantage. This is about the only positive spin that we can put on the drought. We are in serious need of rain and there is none in sight!
The species diversity is starting to increase. In addition to the usual Killdeer, and Least, Spotted, and Solitary Sandpipers, we found our first Stilt Sandpipers of the fall migration. As we continued to scan the mudflats, a couple of Lesser Yellowlegs came flying in. We continued our search but did not turn up any more species.
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| Killdeer |
As we headed back to our car, we ran into another group of birders that said they had seen a couple of Woodcocks out in the open just a little farther up the trail. We were surprised to find two Woodcocks still feeding in the open. That brought our number of shorebird species for the day to seven! It should be fun to see what turns up at Eagle Creek over the next several weeks!
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| American Woodcock |
While we were looking for shorebirds, I was also able to photograph a couple of other species. This Willow Flycatcher kept up company for most of the morning while we were scanning the mudflats.
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| Willow Flycatcher |
There were also a few Green Herons around all morning. I was able to get a shot of this one as it flew by.
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| Green Heron |
-Rob
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