[birding] Jackson-Frazier field trip

[Lisa Millbank]

We had good time leading a nature walk at Jackson-Frazier Wetland. It was the last hurrah for Natural Areas Celebration Week. 

Most amazingly, everyone got a good look at a VIRGINIA RAIL. We used a recording to get it to call, then we saw little ripples from under the flooded shrubs. For the next 10 minutes it dashed out a few times out into the open, then scurried back under cover.  We got good looks at a couple of male RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS. The GREEN HERON who perched in an ash tree was a crowd-pleaser.

It was helpful to have a couple of Cheldelin Middle School students along. They updated us on some of the plantings of native plants (Nelson's Checkermallow and Bradshaw's Lomatium) they've been conducting over the last three years. Good job kids! Al Kitzman from Benton County Parks explained some history and enhancement of the area's natural features. Thanks Al!  Molly Monroe and Jared Jebousek helped with the field trip as well, and the whole celebration week would not have happened without Molly's organization and leadership.

Other notable birds:
Sora
American Bittern
Anna's Hummingbird
Bushtit nest
Marsh Wren
Wilson's Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Brown-headed Cowbird
Black-headed Grosbeak
Evening Grosbeak
Purple Finch

For plants, bugs, snakes, etc. and photos see: http://groups.google.com/group/mid-valley-nature/browse_thread/thread/46d8a0079c8ee725   

Don Boucher & Lisa Millbank
www.neighborhood-naturalist.com
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