Heyburn WMA ("Brown's Creek/33") - Kellyville, OK (March 31, 2009)

About Heyburn WMA:

(From ODW's Website on Heyburn WMA:)

The Heyburn WMA is a 5,865 acre tract of US Army COE land surrounding Heyburn Lake. It has numerous post oak-blackjack ridges and old abandoned agricultural fields. It is located south of Hwy. 33, east of Hwy. 48, and north of Hwy. 66, in central Creek County.

Oaks, elms and sycamores dominate the woodland canopy, with native grass meadows in woodland openings. Due to its varied soils and vegetation types, the area supports a diversity of native and migratory wildlife. Heyburn Lake is a small COE flood control and water supply reservoir that is now very shallow in its upper reaches and no longer navigable by large boats. The average annual precipitation is 42 inches.

Brown's Creek / 33 Area:

This area is along Brown's Creek, which feeds into the northern fork of Lake Heyburn. The trails in this area are less defined and thick patches of post oaks can make travel difficult. The soil tends to be rocky and large outcroppings of rocks are common, making for an interesting landscape. Brown's Creek and it's tributary have small occurances of waterfalls and pools, due to the rocky outcroppings.

March 31st Excursion

I arrived at Heyburn WMA at 1:00 pm and could hear a pair of Carolina Chickadees in the trees adjacent to the parking area. Heyburn in dominated by oaks, which makes for a loud walk since the fallen leaves are so numerous and crisp.

I first followed one fork of the path to a small waterfall along Brown's Creek. The waterfall is small, but offers for some great long-exposure photos. While sitting along the creek's edge I saw a pair of dark birds dart about together along the bank. They both came to perch in a tree overhead, a pair of Eastern Phoebes, each bobbing their tails and calling(though I couldn't hear it over the roar of the waterfall).

Following Brown's Creek, I reached a small overlook, below which a small tributary meets the creek. On previous excursions I have seen small groups of ducks congregating around the bend in the creek. I was able to catch a glimpse of a Red-shouldered Hawk (the hawk's cry was the identifier used) flying just above the canopy. I also spotted two Turkey Vultures drifting lazily overhead.

I followed the beaten path to a small hollow along a tributary of Brown's Creek. I was able to setup my scope along the top of the hollow and watch the birds below. 6 Tufted Titmice were observed hopping about among the branches of the trees along the water's edge. A pair of Carolina Wrens moved through the undergrowth, one finding a perch and singing for several minutes. I used a downed tree to cross the small tributary, then followed the path along the bank.

I heard a familiar ascending call, and spotted a male Black and White Warbler foraging on a downed tree nearby. I recently read the following on Cornell's Bird Guide:

"The Black-and-white Warbler has an unusually long hind toe and claw on each foot. This adaptation allows it to move securely on the surface of tree bark."

Keeping this in mind, I watched the BWW move about on several different trees, it's behavior similar to a woodpecker or nuthatch. The BWW is certainly strange for a warbler, both in behavior (upside down foraging) and plumage (black and white, no yellow or blue as other warblers).

I heard an unfamiliar call, then saw a small brown bird fly from a tree to a twig along the water's edge. The small bird dipped it's tail and called repeatedly(the song was unfamiliar to me) , the main identifier visible was a white stripe on the brow. Initially, I thought that the bird in question was a Red-eyed Vireo because of the brow stripe, yet the streaking on the breast reminded me of a thrush. After peering through the scope and consulting my field guide I determined the bird to be a Louisiana Waterthrush, a new edition to the lifelist.

As I made my way back to my car I heard a flurry of activity coming from the trees closer to the highway. A Northern Flicker burst into flight as I turned a corner of the trail. I noticed a small bird hoping about in some low-lying branches, it's behavior suggesting a nuthatch. As I looked closer I determined the suspect to be a Brown Creeper, a species I have heard referred to as "living bark" due to it's brown, cryptic camouflage. The Brown Creeper is one of my favorite local nuthatch varieties, so it was a nice way to end the excursion.

New Addition to SPQ's Lifelist:

145) Louisiana Waterthrush

Bird Count:

Location: Heyburn WMA - ("Hilltop") - Kellyville, OK

Observation date: 3/31/09 Number of species: 11

Turkey Vulture - Cathartes aura 2

Red-shouldered Hawk - Buteo lineatus 1

Northern Flicker - Colaptes auratus 1

Eastern Phoebe - Sayornis phoebe 2

Carolina Chickadee - Poecile carolinensis 4

Tufted Titmouse - Baeolophus bicolor 6

Brown Creeper - Certhia americana 1

Carolina Wren - Thryothorus ludovicianus 2

Black-and-white Warbler - Mniotilta varia 1

Louisiana Waterthrush - Seiurus motacilla 1

Northern Cardinal - Cardinalis cardinalis 1

Photos:

Top: A small waterfall of a tributary of Brown's Creek

Bottom: The larger set of falls on Brown's Creek, close to Highway 33

- SPQ 4/1/2009

Oxley Nature Center - Tulsa, OK - (March 29, 2009)

March 29th Excursion

A "spring blizzard" swept through the area the previous day (Saturday), depositing 6-8 inches of snow. The temperature dipped below freezing Sunday morning, however by the time I arrived at ONC (8:40 am) it was well above 40 degrees. The snow would slowly melt during my visit but the remaining snow would provide for some great photo opportunities.

The plan for the first leg of the trip was to walk along Coal Creek to Blackbird Marsh, then over to the observation deck. During the walk from the parking area to Coal Creek I could hear several Northern Cardinals (cheer song) and the distinctive kaws of a pair of American Crows.

As I walked along the creek I heard a Belted Kingfisher's rattle as he flew upstream, most likely disturbed by my crunching footsteps. A pair of Mallards burst into flight from the creek as I passed them. Coal Creek's water level was noticeably high from the recent snow and thunderstorms; Warren Bridge was less than a foot above the water.

Much of the water in Blackbird Marsh was frozen and 6 inches of snow covered the boardwalk. I expected to see few birds in the area given the frozen water. However, 3 or 4 male Red-winged Blackbirds could be seen flying to different perches around the marsh, displaying and vocalizing. Small flocks of female Red-wing Blackbirds were flying about throughout the area, possibly shopping a mate (?) . All in all, there were close to 40 Red-wing Blackbirds in the area, and they were quite vocal.

The vast majority of Lake Sherry was free of ice, though a thin sheet covered some of the more shallow areas. A dozen or so Canada Geese were observed across the lake, several had gathered on the small island in the middle. 50 Northern Shovelers, 15 Green-winged Teal, 28 Blue-winged Teal, and 40 Gadwall could all be observed foraging on the lake. A pair of American Coot were feeding along the shoreline of the island. The dabbling ducks seemed to be jumpy; I would often see large group jump into flight and relocate to the opposite side of the lake. As I watched them a raptor gliding above the lake, which I thought to be a Red-tailed Hawk, caught my eye. When I peered through my scope I identified the raptor as a Bald Eagle. Maybe this stout hunter was the reason the ducks on the lake were so apprehensive. It may have been the Red-shouldered Hawk perched in a tree on the island, or maybe both.

As I was loading up my gear to leave the observation deck a large cloud of blackbirds landed in a nearby tree. Upon closer inspection I determined the group to be Common Grackle, their metallic "rusty gate" squawk and strange yellow eyes (and lack of a large tail, like Boat-tailed or Great-tailed Grackle) used as identifiers.

From the Wildlife Study Area's trail I could see that Bird Creek was several feet higher than the last time I had seen it. As with Coal Creek, the snow and rain added significantly to Bird Creek's water level. At the north point of the Wildlife Study Area I spotted a small group of 4 Blue-winged Teal were tucked away along the side of the creek. Hidden among the undergrowth near Bird Creek were several Swamp Sparrows as well as a couple of Song Sparrows. Along the west end of the trail I spotted the resident (I think) male Belted Kingfisher perched on the exposed branch of a submerged dead tree, inches above the swollen creek. He flew off when he spotted me, as did 6 female Red-winged Blackbirds that had congregated on a log along the creek's edge.

As I walked back along Coal Creek to my car, I heard, then identified, a male Red-bellied Woodpecker clambering along the trunk of a tree above me. Along the same path I spotted both male and female Downy Woodpeckers frolicking in a group of branches near the creek.

Bird Count:

Location: Mohawk Park--Oxley Nature Center

Observation date: 3/29/09 Number of species: 27

Canada Goose - Branta canadensis 17

Gadwall - Anas strepera 40

Mallard - Anas platyrhynchos 25

Blue-winged Teal - Anas discors 28

Northern Shoveler - Anas clypeata 50

Green-winged Teal - Anas crecca 15

Great Blue Heron - Ardea herodias 1

Bald Eagle - Haliaeetus leucocephalus 1

Red-shouldered Hawk - Buteo lineatus 1

American Coot - Fulica americana 2

Ring-billed Gull - Larus delawarensis 1

Belted Kingfisher - Megaceryle alcyon 2

Red-bellied Woodpecker - Melanerpes carolinus 1

Downy Woodpecker - Picoides pubescens 2

Northern Flicker - Colaptes auratus 2

Eastern Phoebe - Sayornis phoebe 3

American Crow - Corvus brachyrhynchos 3

Carolina Chickadee - Poecile carolinensis 6

Carolina Wren - Thryothorus ludovicianus 2

American Robin - Turdus migratorius 2

Song Sparrow - Melospiza melodia 8

Swamp Sparrow - Melospiza georgiana 4

White-throated Sparrow - Zonotrichia albicollis 2

Dark-eyed Junco - Junco hyemalis 18

Northern Cardinal - Cardinalis cardinalis 8

Red-winged Blackbird - Agelaius phoeniceus 35

Common Grackle - Quiscalus quiscula 58

-SPQ 3/31/2009

Ft. Gibson WMA - ACE Dike #9 - Waggoner, OK (March 26, 2009)

-Photos from 3/26 Excursion coming soon-



About ACE Dike #9:


The ACE (Army Corps of Engineers) Dike #9 is the name I have given to the area around the dike, in the Waterfowl Sanctuary section of Ft. Gibson WMA. The area consists of a dike and its' basin, around which are several agricultural fields and tallgrass/briar fields. The dike connects to Lake Ft. Gibson, making the dike's basin an ideal habitat for wading birds, waterfowl, and shorebirds (depending on the water level). I have visited the area before, but it was over 6 years ago and I spent most of the time fishing along Lake Ft. Gibson.

March 26th Excursion

I arrived at ACE Dike #9 at around 10:45 am, late by my standards, but it wouldn't really affect the outing. While unloading my gear I could hear the trill of several Field Sparrows as well as the Northern Cardinal's (ubiquitous) cheer song.

I opted to walk a wide circle through the area, so I followed a path to the east, toward Lake Ft. Gibson. After walking past the tallgras, I could see a large, verdant agricultural field that stretched from my position to within 50 yards of the lake. Two large snags towered over the northwest corner, which attracted my attention because of they seemed to be a prime perch for a hawk or bird of prey.


As I studied the large snags I saw a large bird fly from the crotch of one of the snags to a small grove of trees north of the field. I scanned the trees, but could not dinstinguish anything. Fortunately, the bird took flight again and landed in the crotch of the snag, providing me with an oppurtunity to catch a glimpse of the creature. When I looked through my scope I saw a large, Great Horned Owl staring back at me from it's nest built in the fork okf the tree. He watched me for moment, then turned his attention back to the field, to scan for prey most likely. I walked on, along the southern edge of the field, my destination the edge of the lake.


While walking I spotted a lone Double-Crested Cormorant flying west overhead, possibly bound for the dike. Along the edge of the field the tracts of grass and briars provided an ideal environment for sparrows. As mentioned above, I would hear the trill of Field Sparrows for the entire outing. I spotted a small group of Song Sparrows foraging about among the grasses along the agricultural field while I walked toward the lake.




The area between the agricultural field and the lake was covered by low-lying briars which created a entangling blanket along the ground, making walking difficult. There weren't many birds along the edge of the lake, but I could spy quite a few different species that were congregated on the south edge of the lake. 8 Canada Geese could be spotted foraging along the edges of the lake, above which a dozen or more Ring-billed Gulls lazily drifted in the wind searching for food.


I was amazed when my scope caught sight of 14 American White Pelicans soaring in a loose formation over the lake. The American White Pelican is a common winter sight in Oklahoma, since the unfrozen lakes of the area provide excellent fishing opportunities. Another interesting fact about AWP is the manner in which they fish. AWPs fish in cooperatively, often wokring with other pelicans by forcing fish into a smaller area where catching them is easier.


Peeking through my scope from the lake's edge I saw a small Grebe-looking waterfowl, which quickly submerged itself, never to seen by me again. I checked my field guide and determined that the shy submarine was most likely a Horned Grebe, but I was not very sure (Eared Grebes look very similar from that distance). Fortunately, as I walked along the edge of the lake I spied a small group of Horned Grebes emerging from a small cove. I studied them for some time, and evnetually felt confident that I had positively identified the group as Horned Grebes.


While watching the Horned Grebes, a group of 12 DC Cormorants flew past me, headed for the cove to the west. I would later come to a small hill overlooking this cove, from which I could see the DCCs perched in a group of snags.


As I emerged from a grove of trees along the lake's edge, I noticed the increasingly ominous storm clouds billowing in the west. I took several picutres and walked onward towards the dike, realizing my birding time was limited. The skies to the east were calm and dotted with small clouds, yet to the west a dark gray mass was forming.


I pushed west and waded through a large hillside of briars, during which a pair of Blue Jays flew out of a tree noisily warning other birds if my presence. I began to feel some droplets of rain, so I quickened my pace and joined the trail running along the east edge of the dike's basin.



Even though I had to race the rain, I could not resist the temptation to scan the dike's basin for waterfowl. Several Great Blue Herons took wing when they saw me and flew to the south toward the other side of the dike. A Great Egret was also spotted hunting along the muddy banks of the dike, as well as a Lesser Yellowlegs. A little further down a pair of Northern Shovelers drifted about on the water foraging for a meal.



I jogged south to the road (which provides an excellent elevated view of the dike) and scanned the south section of the dike. A dozen Kildeer flushed from the shoreline as I approached, landing on the opposite side of the pond. A group of 30 Blue-winged Teal could also be observed slowly swimming away from my position. While observing the pond I could hear the distinctive call of a Red-winged Blackbird, who was most likely perched along the water's edge.





New Additions to SPQ Lifelist:



143) Great Horned Owl -3/26



144) Horned Grebe - 3/26





Bird Count:

Location: Ft. Gibson WMA - ACE Dike #9 - Wagoner, OK

Observation date: 3/26/09 Number of species: 27



Canada Goose - Branta canadensis 8

Blue-winged Teal - Anas discors 30

Northern Shoveler - Anas clypeata 2

Horned Grebe - Podiceps auritus 8

American White Pelican - Pelecanus erythrorhynchos 14

Double-crested Cormorant - Phalacrocorax auritus 13

Great Blue Heron - Ardea herodias 3

Great Egret - Ardea alba 2

Turkey Vulture - Cathartes aura 2

Red-tailed Hawk - Buteo jamaicensis 1

Killdeer - Charadrius vociferus 15

Lesser Yellowlegs - Tringa flavipes 1

Ring-billed Gull - Larus delawarensis 15

Great Horned Owl - Bubo virginianus 1

Red-bellied Woodpecker - Melanerpes carolinus 1

Downy Woodpecker - Picoides pubescens 1

Northern Flicker - Colaptes auratus 2

Blue Jay - Cyanocitta cristata 2

American Crow - Corvus brachyrhynchos 4

Carolina Chickadee - Poecile carolinensis 4

Eastern Bluebird - Sialia sialis 2

Northern Mockingbird - Mimus polyglottos 1

European Starling - Sturnus vulgaris 4

Field Sparrow - Spizella pusilla 12

Song Sparrow - Melospiza melodia 18

Northern Cardinal - Cardinalis cardinalis 4

Red-winged Blackbird - Agelaius phoeniceus 1

Photos (from top to bottom):

1-3) Three pictures of the thunderclouds forming to the west of Ft. Gibson WMA

4-9) Several stages of the thunderstorm as it formed

10) A picture of the west side of the agricultural field

11) Several ladybugs cling to a tree stub along the edge of Lake Ft. Gibson

-SPQ 3/27/2009

Redbud Valley Nature Preserve - Catoosa, OK (March 25, 2009)

About Redbud Valley Nature Preserve:



http://www.oxleynaturecenter.org/redbud.htm



http://tulsaaudubon.org/guides/redbud-valley.htm



(From Redbud's Website):


Redbud Valley was originally purchased by The Nature Conservancy in the late 1960's. Dr. Harriet Barclay was a professor at TU, and she spearheaded the effort to have it acquired, then worked with the Tulsa Tribune on a fund drive to raise the necessary money to repay The Nature Conservancy. TU maintained the property until the area was transferred to the City of Tulsa in 1990, and it is now managed as a part of Oxley Nature Center in cooperation with The Nature Conservancy. Under guidance from The Friends of Oxley Nature Center, the caretaker's house was renovated and the Barclay Visitor's Center created.


March 25th Excursion


When I arrived at RBV at around 1:00 pm it was close to 60 degrees with a light breeze blowing occasionally. A series of minor storms would blow as I left at 4:00, so I was fortunate to get some birding in while the weather was still pleasant.


From the parking area I could hear the mimicry of a Northern Mockingbird, the metallic call of a Blue Jay, and several Carolina Chickadees frolicking about in the branches of a nearby tree.


I hiked along the "Bluff Trail" until I reached an area where I could deploy my tripod. While observing from this position I saw a Downy Woodpecker scouring the trunk of a tree in search of a meal. A little further down the trail I spied a Red-bellied Woodpecker fly to a nearby tree, where he began to forage. I hiked up a small bluff to gain a more advantageous view and was able to watch a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker circle a tree and drill small holes to eat sap from.


I joined the "Prairie Trail" and made my way to the west. I saw a small brown object flit about on a branch then fly to another branch, where it remained rigid. I used my scope to get a closer look and noticed the brown body and contrasting reddish-brown tail of a Hermit Thrush. From what I have read in field guides and a couple websites, the reddish-brown tail of the Hermit Thrush is a good way of differentiating it from other thrushes. The first time I ever saw a Hermit Thrush it was at RBV, less than 100 yards from where I was on the 25th, so it may be the same one or of the same family.



As I neared the intersection of the "Prairie Fork" and the "Main Trail", I heard the rumble of thunder behind (from the west). I was close enough to the parking lot that I felt safe to take my time getting back. I also loitered about and took pictures of the rain clouds as they shifted and twisted in the wind. I will upload several of the pictures in the following week.


Bird Count:



Location: Red Bud Valley - Catoosa, OK


Observation date: 3/25/09 Number of species: 14


Turkey Vulture - Cathartes aura 2


Red-tailed Hawk - Buteo jamaicensis 1


Red-bellied Woodpecker - Melanerpes carolinus 1


Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - Sphyrapicus varius 1


Downy Woodpecker - Picoides pubescens 1


Blue Jay - Cyanocitta cristata 1


American Crow - Corvus brachyrhynchos 3


Carolina Chickadee - Poecile carolinensis 6


Tufted Titmouse - Baeolophus bicolor 3


Carolina Wren - Thryothorus ludovicianus 2


Hermit Thrush - Catharus guttatus 1


Northern Mockingbird - Mimus polyglottos 1


Yellow-rumped Warbler - Dendroica coronata 1


Northern Cardinal - Cardinalis cardinalis 4

Photos:

Top: Rain clouds roll across the sky to the south of Redbud Valley

Top Middle: A small stream found along the "Bluff Trail"

Top Bottom: A soon-to-be identified purple flower seen along the "Prairie Fork"

Bottom: A photo of the bluffs along the appropriately named "Bluff Trail"

-SPQ 3/25/2009

Mohawk Park - Oxley Nature Center - Tulsa, OK (March 24, 2009)

March 24th Excursion

The morning of March 24th a line of thunderstorms moved through the area, yet by 10 o'clock it was sunny and clear. I arrived at MP-ONC around 1:00 pm, well after the storms had passed through. Even from the parking area it was clear that the early morning storms would make for a muddy outing.

As I walked across a small field to the ONC entrance I noticed to Northern Flickers hopping around the base of a snag alongside Coal Creek. I peered through my scope and established that one was a male and the other a female. From what I have read, Northern Flickers' diets consist largely of ants which they forage for terrestrially, unlike most woodpeckers.

In the past 3 weeks or so, I have heard many more Northern Cardinals singing what I assume is a mating or territorial song. I have seen the songs described as " purdy, purdy, purdy...whoit, whoit, whoit, whoit, what-cheer, what-cheer... wheet, wheet, wheet", which is a pretty good translation. I probably heard between 8-12 male cardinals singing throughout ONC on the 3/24 outing.

I walked along Coal Creek and then followed the boardwalk across Blackbird Marsh to the observation platform overlooking Lake Sherry. While walking along the board walk I could hear a loud ruckus, most likely Canada Geese honking, coming from Lake Sherry. When I came to the end of the boardwalk I could see two Canada Geese foraging along the shore, no less than 100 feet from me. I was able to snap several decent pictures of the pair, as well as a small group of Northern Shovelers that landed nearby while I had my camera out.

Lake Sherry's water level was relatively high, no doubt because of the early morning thunderstorms. This meant that the conditions were more favorable for ducks and wading birds, less so for shorebirds (sandpipers, kildeer, snipe, etc). Strangely enough, I didn't see one wading bird during the entire excursion.

From the observation I counted 8 Canada Geese, some foraging on the water, others had gathered on the small island in the middle of the lake. A total of 60~ Northern Shovelers were observed in various locations on the lake. 24 Blue-winged Teal and 2 Green-winged Teal were seen in several groups. On the east side of the lake I spotted a male and female Bufflehead near a group of 18 Ring-necked Ducks. From the observation deck I could count 20 Gadwall, though from the photographic blind later I would count 65 or more.

Lately, Lake Sherry has been a great place to view waterfowl, and soon enough the regular lineup of wading birds should be here. Last week I saw the first Great Egret of the season, hopefully the Little Blue Heron will show up soon. The wading bird I am looking forward to seeing again is the Snowy Egret. Their high-energy fishing techniques are very interesting to watch.

While walking west from the observation deck I spied a small "microbird" (Kinglet or Gnatcatcher) hopping about on the vines entangled in a nearby tree. Using my binoculars (he was less than 15 feet away) I determined the microbird to be a Ruby-Crowned Kinglet. In the next couple of months one will see an avian "changing of the guard" when the Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher replaces the Golden and Ruby-Crowned Kinglets. From my position near the kinglet I walked south, crossed Warren Bridge over Coal Creek, and proceeded north to the photographic blind facing Lake Sherry. Here I recounted the waterfowl mentioned above and took several pictures of the blind.

I walked from the photographic blind north to the Wildlife Study Trail. I spent 20 minutes or so trying to get a photo of the newly-arrived butterflies, which, I assure you, is a fool's errand. I took several pictures of a Monarch on a flower, but I could not get a single shot of a black and blue butterfly that hovered around my vicinity. Another day, I suppose.

On the side of the Wildlife Study Trail I encountered prime Sparrow territory: plenty of debris from the ice storm, thick undergrowth, and some tallgrass. Several sparrows could be seen flitting about, 4 of which I could identify as Song Sparrows. Perched on a low-lying limb eating some buds was a lone White-throated Sparrow. Earlier in the day I had seen a single Dark-eyed Junco by Coal Creek, which is unusual since they tend to stay in groups.

On the west side of the Wildlife Study Trail, near where it meets the paved through way, is a cleared area that makes a great spot to watch a large bend in Bird Creek. On the 3/24 outing I spotted a male Belted Kingfisher perched just inches above the water. He flew off and rattled off an alarm to warn his nearby allies. Last summer I saw a mated pair of kingfishers on a regular basis from this outlook. Maybe the male I saw on the 24th is the same one from last year.

I followed the paved through way from the Wildlife Study Trail around the north and east sides of Lake Sherry. While on the trail I was surprised by two Pileated Woodpeckers who flushed from a nearby grove, calling very loudly. One landed less than 50 feet from me, but when I tried to inch closer, it flew off beyond my vision.

I walked west, in the direction of my car, and opted to walk along the flowline rather than the usual route. Overhead I could hear, then see, several Red-shouldered Hawks flying low over the wooded sections on each side of the flowline. One landed 150 feet from where I was standing, perched above a marshy pool, and stared intently below. The hawk looked at me then back at the pool. He dropped from his perch and splashed into the pool, then flew back to the perch, carrying an unfortunate frog in his talons. The hawk devoured a portion of his catch, then flew off to search for another morsel.

I was quite pleased to see 24 species during an afternoon outing. The large amount of waterfowl present on Lake Sherry definitely boosts the amount of birds one can watch at ONC. I am looking forward to seeing some of the summer's usual suspects return in the following weeks.

Bird Count:

Location: Mohawk Park--Oxley Nature Center

Observation date: 3/24/09 Number of species: 24

Canada Goose - Branta canadensis 8

Gadwall - Anas strepera 65

Blue-winged Teal - Anas discors 24

Northern Shoveler - Anas clypeata 60

Green-winged Teal - Anas crecca 2

Ring-necked Duck - Aythya collaris 18

Bufflehead - Bucephala albeola 2

Turkey Vulture - Cathartes aura 2

Red-shouldered Hawk - Buteo lineatus 3

Red-tailed Hawk - Buteo jamaicensis 1

Belted Kingfisher - Megaceryle alcyon 1

Northern Flicker - Colaptes auratus 2

Pileated Woodpecker - Dryocopus pileatus 2

American Crow - Corvus brachyrhynchos 1

Carolina Chickadee - Poecile carolinensis 10

Carolina Wren - Thryothorus ludovicianus 1

Ruby-crowned Kinglet - Regulus calendula 1

Field Sparrow - Spizella pusilla 2

Song Sparrow - Melospiza melodia 7

Swamp Sparrow - Melospiza georgiana 1

White-throated Sparrow - Zonotrichia albicollis 2

Dark-eyed Junco - Junco hyemalis 1

Northern Cardinal - Cardinalis cardinalis 7

Eastern Meadowlark - Sturnella magna 2

Photos:

Top: An Oklahoma Redbud (Cercis reniformis) blossom in bloom

Middle: A Monarch Butterfly feeding on

Bottom: Two Canada Geese foraging along the sides of Lake Sherry

-SPQ 3/25/2009

Keystone WMA - Silver - Oilton, OK (March 22, 2009)

March 22nd Excursion

The section of Keystone WMA I call Silver (because it is less than 3 miles from the small town of Silver City) is located along the south bank of the Cimarron, 5 miles east of Oilton on HWY-51. Several ponds and maintained fields are found on the southern section of Silver, as well as a small slough near the Cimarron. The western section of Silver consists of several agricultural fields hemmed in on the sides by forested sections.

I arrived at the Silver parking area at around 7:15 am, leaving me plenty of take pictures of the sunrise. The relative bird activity in the area, seemed to be quite high; I could hear several different species as I exited the car. Several male Northern Cardinals could be heard singing their "cheer" song and an Eastern Phoebe could be heard in the nearby thickets. I could hear several unidentifiable vocalizations could be heard coming from the small ponds, so I decided to go investigate.

From a closer position I was able to take a closer look at the waterfowl congregating on the small ponds to the east of the parking lot. Several dozen Green-winged Teal, a dozen Northern Shovelers, and 10 Blue-winged Teal could be observed foraging in the ponds. Alongside the pond several Wilson's Snipes feverishly probed the mud for food. I was able to slowly creep to a position closer to the water's edge, however some of the Green-winged Teal flew to the other side of the pond to avoid me. Overhead, I spotted two Great Egrets flying slowly across the pond, one landing on a tall snag on the other side of the water.

From behind my position I could hear a familiar squeaking sound. I used my scope to find the source and identified two White-breasted Nuthatches. In the same vicinity two Eastern Bluebirds could be observed perching on a dead tree, patiently watching for insects to capture for a meal. I could see and hear several Northern Flickers during the outing, but I was only able to positively identify one male and one female. 6 or 7 Songs Sparrows could be seen hopping about in the thickets around the ponds.

I walked north from the ponds to the edge of the slough near the Cimarron River. I crept up slowly and was able to identify a lone Northern Pintail before it flew away. Several Blue-wing and Green-wing Teal would periodically fly by and land in the water near my position, however they would spot me before I could take any pictures. A small troop of waterfowl landed about 75 yards from my position, close enough to spotted with the scope. I noticed one bird that looked similar to Grebe, but it submerged itself (as a Grebe would) and I never saw it again. 3 pairs of Wood Ducks were among the small troop and they quickly moved to the water's edge to forage in the more shallow areas. While watching the waterfowl on the slough, two Pileated Woodpeckers flew within 20 yards of my position. One landed on a far tree, the other flew around the slough and then passed within 20 yards of my position, before spotting me and flying on.

I walked west from the slough toward the agricultural fields. I saw a large collection of Turkey Vultures circling the same general area on the other side of the Cimarron River. I counted 18 Turkey Vultures in this particular "kettle" (a tight circling of birds, often around a thermal updraft). Such a large concentration of vultures made me wonder what was dead (or dying) on the other side of the river.

I joined the "main" trail ( the one you can see from satellite photos) and walked west. Part of this trail is along some tallgrass strips and eventually leads into a small wooded area where it bends back south. Between the trail and the river to the north lie large expanses of agricultural fields, maintained in order to attract game birds to the area.

Along the open section of the main trail I could hear, then later see, a Northern Mockingbird singing from a low exposed perch. Several Carolina Chickadees and a lone Tufted Titmouse were observed frolicking among the trees in the area. I could see the silhouette of a very active passerine bird hoping about in a nearby tree. I used my scope to attain a closer look and determined the silhouette to be a Yellow-rumped Warbler, one of the few winter warblers in the Oklahoma.

As is usual for brambles, tallgrasses, and stubby undergrowth: a large amount of sparrows could be seen in the area. I observed a small group of White-throated Sparrows feeding on the seeds of budding tree. The very similar species, the White-crowned Sparrow, was also observed flitting about in the undergrowth nearby.

I followed the path through the wooded area, but turned around once the path bent back to the south. I followed a smaller path north to the edge of the agricultural fields, finding a small trail leading back to the parking area along the southern edge of the tilled fields.

As I walked along the edge of the agricultural fields, a shape clinging to small tree caught my eye. I studied the shape and identified it as a Loggerhead Shrike, waiting and watching for prey to come along. I was able to walk around the Shrike's position and snap one photo before he flew to a higher perch in a nearby tree.

With a total count of 27 species over a 3.5 hour period, this was a great outing.

Bird Count :

Location: Keystone WMA ("Silver") - Oilton, OK

Observation date: 3/22/09 Number of species: 27

Wood Duck - Aix sponsa 6

Blue-winged Teal - Anas discors 10

Northern Shoveler - Anas clypeata 16

Northern Pintail - Anas acuta 1

Green-winged Teal - Anas crecca 21

Great Blue Heron - Ardea herodias 2

Great Egret - Ardea alba 2

Turkey Vulture - Cathartes aura 18

Wilson's Snipe - Gallinago delicata 3

Downy Woodpecker - Picoides pubescens 1

Northern Flicker - Colaptes auratus 4

Pileated Woodpecker - Dryocopus pileatus 2

Eastern Phoebe - Sayornis phoebe 1

Loggerhead Shrike - Lanius ludovicianus 1

American Crow - Corvus brachyrhynchos 4

Carolina Chickadee - Poecile carolinensis 6

Tufted Titmouse - Baeolophus bicolor 1

White-breasted Nuthatch - Sitta carolinensis 2

Carolina Wren - Thryothorus ludovicianus 1

Eastern Bluebird - Sialia sialis 2

Northern Mockingbird - Mimus polyglottos 1

Yellow-rumped Warbler - Dendroica coronata 3

Song Sparrow - Melospiza melodia 7

White-throated Sparrow - Zonotrichia albicollis 6

White-crowned Sparrow - Zonotrichia leucophrys 4

Northern Cardinal - Cardinalis cardinalis 4

Red-winged Blackbird - Agelaius phoeniceus 1

Photos:

Top: A pciture of the sunrise as seen from the trail leading south from the parking area

Top Middle: The small ponds found to the east of the parking area

Bottom Middle: The slough located south of the Cimarron River

Bottom: The agricultural fields found in the west and north sections of the WMA

-SPQ 3/23/2009

Okmulgee PHA - (Handicap) - Okmulgee, OK

About Okmulgee WMA:

(From ODW's webpage):

Okmulgee Wildlife Management Area covers 10,900 acres of west-central Okmulgee County. Located 5 miles west of the city of Okmulgee, the area is heavily wooded in post oak-blackjack timber and bisected by seven miles of the Deep Fork of the Canadian River. The Okmulgee Wildlife Management Area contains one of the largest known tracts of old growth Post oak/Blackjack oak "Crosstimbers" found anywhere. Many of the area's post oaks are likely over 350 years old, making them some of the oldest trees found East of the Rocky Mountains in North America. Crosstimber, although not highly productive, is unique in that it provides habitat for both classic "Western" species like the Greater Roadrunners and Easter species like the Indigo Bunting and is rich in biological diversity.


The area is approximately 95% wooded, with elevations ranging from about 600 ft. near the river to over 950 ft. on wooded ridges. Post oaks, blackjack oaks, and hickories dominate the poor, rocky upland soils, with burr oaks, pin oaks, red oaks and sycamores dominating the riparian bottomland. The average annual rainfall is 42 inches.


Approximately fifteen hundred acres are targeted for prescribed burning annually. Wildlife plots are planted to cool season annuals and permanent clover pastures. Old fields are mowed as needed to control succession in small clearings. Waterfowl units are manipulated with water level controls and annual discing as necessary


March 19th Excursion


I arrived at the parking area for the Okmulgee PHA at around 7:40 am on Thursday March 19th. My maps did not have many of the county road names, so I had a harder time finding my destination than usual. The next time I go to this area I will need to make a more detailed map, cross-referencing several maps to get all of the road names. All things considered, this is a nice place to get lost due to the scenic surroundings.

The area I parked at was marked as "non-ambulatory" hunting site. I have seen several of these, most notably the one near Buckeye Creek (http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/buckeyecreek.htm). The trail is wide enough for a truck to drive upon, thereby giving a non-ambulatory hunter an opportunity to hunt from the bed of a truck. There are 2 or 3 oil wells that can be found in the area and often one can hear the squeaking or clanging of the moving pieces.

The parking area is situated on a small ridge with the trail leading down into a small series of meadows. The ridge is covered by Post and Blackjack Oak trees and few regularly used trails can be found along the rocky hillsides. Several small streams can be seen throughout the area and the Deep Fork River is less than a 2 miles from the parking area.

Upon arriving I immediately noticed how lush and green the grass of the lower-lying meadows was. When I inspected closer I could see that the meadow had been burned sometime in the past several months. Large clumps of stubby, half-charred grass could be observed, underneath which the verdant new grass grew. I have read in some reports about the Tallgrass Prairie by the Sutton Avian Research Center (http://www.suttoncenter.org/etpb.html) that the burned areas of a prairie tend to be more attractive to nesting birds.



I followed the trail to the closest meadow and found a small group of trees to set up my scope under. Several Northern Flickers could be observed foraging on the ground and perching in the smaller trees scattered throughout the meadow. Periodically I could hear a call that was similar to the Pileated Woodpecker's call, but considering the number of flickers in the area and the fact that I could not see the Pileated, I left it off the list.



As I walked from one group of trees to another I spotted a lone Double-Crested Cormorant flying overhead, presumably toward the nearby Deep Fork River. A number of male Northern Cardinals could be heard singing their "cheer" song. Several Mourning Doves could be seen flying across the meadow to perch in a tree or forage among the newly burned grass.



I saw a small group (8-12) of darker birds congregating in the top of small tree situated in the middle of the meadow. I was able to identify the group as a mix-sex flock of Brown-head Cowbirds. The males are fairly distinctive, however the females are a drab shade of brown, easy to confuse with a number of other species.



I began to make my way across the meadow, toward the wooded ridge. I spotted a female Northern Harrier gliding above the meadow some 100 yards from my position. I could see the white rump band, one of the easier marks used to identify a harrier. She drifted on over the hill, to hunt on a stretch of grassland out of my scope's range.



Between the green meadow and the rocky ridge was a small band of land consisting of various tall grasses bordering a stream. Dozens of sparrows could be seen flitting about among the grasses and stubby trees. I was able to identify 1 Field Sparrow, 8 Song Sparrows, 1 White-crowned Sparrow, and a dozen Dark-eyed Juncos while making my way across the stream toward the small ridge.

I climbed my way to the top of the small ridge and found a good position to take up among an outcropping of rock. The ground was covered in the brownish-orange fallen leaves of the oaks, which matched the type of camouflage I was wearing amazingly well. I could hear and see several Carolina Chickadees and Tufted Titmice hopping about in the trees looking for food.

I heard a thin, ascending call repeated over and over coming from the area in front of my position. I spotted a small bird flitting about in a tree, it's behavior most resembling that of a woodpecker or nuthatch. I used my scope to get a closer look and was surprised to see a male Black-and-white Warbler. B&W Warblers are usually seen in the summer in Oklahoma, so the one I saw must be an early arrival or on his way farther north. I could hear two distinct calls, so another B&WW was nearby, but I was unable to identify whether it was male or female.

From the outcropping camp I walked along the top of the ridge for 50 yards or so, then descended the same side I had come from and walked along the stream's edge. It had been cloudy and threatening to rain for most of the day, and as I walked back to the car it began to rain lightly. I didn't want to damage my camera, so I hurried back to the car and called it a day.


Bird Count:

Location: Okmulgee PHA - (Handicap) - Okmulgee, OK

Observation date: 3/19/09 Number of species: 19

Double-crested Cormorant - Phalacrocorax auritus 1

Great Blue Heron - Ardea herodias 1

Turkey Vulture - Cathartes aura 1

Northern Harrier - Circus cyaneus 1

Mourning Dove - Zenaida macroura 3

Northern Flicker - Colaptes auratus 3

Eastern Phoebe - Sayornis phoebe 1

American Crow - Corvus brachyrhynchos 6

Carolina Chickadee - Poecile carolinensis 8

Tufted Titmouse - Baeolophus bicolor 4

Carolina Wren - Thryothorus ludovicianus 2

Black-and-white Warbler - Mniotilta varia 2

Field Sparrow - Spizella pusilla 1

Song Sparrow - Melospiza melodia 8

White-crowned Sparrow - Zonotrichia leucophrys 1

Dark-eyed Junco - Junco hyemalis 12

Northern Cardinal - Cardinalis cardinalis 3

Brown-headed Cowbird - Molothrus ater 13

American Goldfinch - Carduelis tristis 4

-SPQ 3/21/2009

Mohawk Park - Oxley Nature Center - Tulsa, OK (March 17, 2009)

March 17th Excursion

Upon entering Mohawk Park I realized that Spring Break is this week for the state of Oklahoma. Hordes of cars (SUVs-a-plenty) were parked anywhere there was space in the vicinity around the zoo. Most people were concentrated around the zoo and playgrounds, but I knew plenty of groups would be touring Oxley. The area where I normally park wasn't very crowded.

I decided it would be best to stay in Mohawk Park, skirting the south, east, and north banks of Lake Sherry as well as a stop at the Rodeo Outlook. Very few people ever venture out to this section, mainly because the area is closed to traffic because of ice storm damage. Sections of road and several parking lots have been closed for over 2 years now.

As I began walking down the Herb Beattie Trail I heard some strange vocalizations I could not identify. I then saw 5-6 blackbirds flush out of the brush and land in a large tree 50 yards from my position. I was able to see a couple through my scope and determine that they were the rapidly dwindling Rusty Blackbirds. I later checked the vocalization at the Cornell site and confirmed the Rusty Blackbird identification. The only other place I have seen Rusty Blackbirds was at the Kerr-McClellan (Choteau Pool) near Wagoner.

I made my way around the south and east sides of Lake Sherry and stopped at the Rodeo Outlook. The Rodeo Outlook is a small two-story structure built next to a small livestock pen on the far east side of Mohawk Park. I am still unsure about what the structure's intended purpose was, but it works quite well as an observation point. I need to send an e-mail over to the Tulsa Parks Department and ask them about it.

From the Rodeo Outlook I was able to spot half a dozen American Robins, a lone Northern Mockingbird, and 4 female Red-Wing Blackbirds foraging about in the mowed area inside the livestock pen. Several American Crows landed in nearby trees and a pair of Eastern Phoebes could be heard calling to each other from the nearby stream.

I left the outlook and walked to the path that runs along Lake Sherry's north bank. The area consists of several tallgrass fields surrounded by wooded strips. Numerous sparrows could be seen and heard along this route. The sparrows I could identify were 3 Songs Sparrows, 2 White-throated Sparrows, 6 Harris' Sparrows, and a dozen Dark-eyed Juncos. I spotted a bird that looked remarkably like a Swamp Sparrow, but I could not be certain.

The path along Lake Sherry's north bank eventually enters Oxley Nature Center, which is considerably more wooded than Mohawk Park. I walked quietly towards the northeast corner of Lake Sherry to count the different foraging waterfowl. As I approached the water I noticed a white heron wading about near the shore looking for food. Using me scope, I was able to identify the heron as a Great Egret, the first wading bird, other than Great Blue Herons, that I have seen this season. Hopefully in the coming weeks the Snowy Egrets will return to Oxley as well.

The usual suspects were present on Lake Sherry. Between 30-40 Gadwall, 8 Northern Shoveler, and 6 Canada Geese were foraging in and around the lake. I could hear more Canada Geese within the park, but since I could not see (or count) them they were left off the list.

I then doubled back and followed the path back to my car. During the walk back a couple of Turkey Vultures could be seen riding the thermals in search of a meal.

Bird Count:

Location: Mohawk Park--Oxley Nature Center

Observation date: 3/17/09 Number of species: 23

Canada Goose - Branta canadensis 6

Gadwall - Anas strepera 36

Northern Shoveler - Anas clypeata 8

Great Egret - Ardea alba 1

Turkey Vulture - Cathartes aura 2

Red-shouldered Hawk - Buteo lineatus 1

Red-tailed Hawk - Buteo jamaicensis 1

Eastern Phoebe - Sayornis phoebe 3

American Crow - Corvus brachyrhynchos 8

Carolina Chickadee - Poecile carolinensis 7

Tufted Titmouse - Baeolophus bicolor 2

Carolina Wren - Thryothorus ludovicianus 2

Eastern Bluebird - Sialia sialis 2

American Robin - Turdus migratorius 14

Northern Mockingbird - Mimus polyglottos 1

Yellow-rumped Warbler - Dendroica coronata 1

Song Sparrow - Melospiza melodia 3

White-throated Sparrow - Zonotrichia albicollis 2

Harris's Sparrow - Zonotrichia querula 6

Dark-eyed Junco - Junco hyemalis 12

Northern Cardinal - Cardinalis cardinalis 7

Red-winged Blackbird - Agelaius phoeniceus 4

Rusty Blackbird - Euphagus carolinus 6

Photos:

Top: A raccoon searches for food in the mud along the banks of Lake Sherry. Photo taken in August 2008.

Bottom: The Rodeo Outlook

-SPQ 3/18/2009

Keystone Dam - Brushy Creek Recreation Area - Sand Springs, OK (March 15,2009)

About Keystone Dam:

http://www.catfishin.net/keystone/keymaps.html


March 15th Excursion


While making my way back from the Keystone WMA I decided to stop off at Keystone Dam. I had seen that the Tulsa Audubon Society held their "Bald Eagle Days" at the designated wildlife viewing area just south of the dam. I decided to check out the area and determine whether it was a locale I would like to frequent for birding. Considering it was both a Sunday and one of the nicer days in several months, the area was quite crowded with people fishing and picnicking.

The area I parked was the Brushy Creek Recreation area. The parking lot was on the edge of the Arkansas and offered a decent view of the river, especially if you have a spotting scope. A small island in the middle of the Arkansas provided a location for the American White Pelicans and Double-Crested Cormorants to congregate. Between 30-40 American White Pelicans were observed on the small island or swimming about in the Arkansas River. I saw less than 10 DC Cormorants, most of which were assuming the wing-drying posture.

Over 40 Ring-billed Gulls were observed in the area. Some flew above the river looking for food, others sat among the pelicans and cormorants on the island. In the trees just below the parking lot I could see two highly active Northern Mockingbirds frolicking about. Several Carolina Chickadees could be heard in the thicker cover.

Bird Count:

Location: Keystone Dam - Brushy Creek Rec. Area - Sand Springs, OK

Observation date: 3/15/09 Number of species: 6

American White Pelican - Pelecanus erythrorhynchos 25

Double-crested Cormorant - Phalacrocorax auritus 9

Great Blue Heron - Ardea herodias 2

Ring-billed Gull - Larus delawarensis 50

Carolina Chickadee - Poecile carolinensis 2

Northern Mockingbird - Mimus polyglottos 2

Photo:

A view of Keystone Dam from the parking lot of the Brushy Creek Recreation Area.

-SPQ 3/17/2009

Keystone WMA - Terlton Road - Terlton, OK (March 15, 2009)

About Keystone WMA - Terlton Road:

The Terlton Road section of the Keystone WMA lies on the edge of the Cimmarron River, adjacent to a small inlet of the river. One can access this section of the WMA by exiting Hwy-48 at Terleton Road (there is a sign for a Boy Scouts' Camp) then proceeding a couple of miles to a small parking area.

March 15th Excursion

I arrived at the Terlton Road section of the Keystone WMA around 1:30 pm after my excursion to Cottonwood Creek WDU.

I began by following the established trail south towards the river inlet. About 75 yards into the WMA I noticed an American Sycamore with 6-8 nest platforms among its branches. This tree was among a grove of sycamores that line a small stream to the east of the parking area. When I looked through my scope I could count over 8 Great Blue Herons perching in the sycamore. I scanned the other nearby sycamores and noticed multiple nests in each, signifying, I think, a colony or rookery of Great Blue Herons.

I was quite excited about my potential discovery of a rookery of Great Blue Herons and the thought crossed my mind to try and move close enough for some good pictures. After more thought I realized it would be disruptive and possibly stressful on the herons if I got too close. Maybe at some point when I have a longer range telephoto lens I will be able to capture some shots of the rookery.

While continuing along the trail I stumbled upon two Pileated Woodpeckers, scaring them into flight. One of the two woodpeckers was no less than 30 feet from me when he called out and flew away.

I reached the end of the trail, a small tributary of the Cimarron. I sat quietly along the banks of another small stream and watched the tributary. A pair of Red-shouldered Hawks could be heard, then later seen gliding over the area in search of prey. Several Ring-billed Gulls floated lazily up and down the small tributary, using the occassional strong gust of wind to hover above the water.

Bird Count:

Location: Keystone - Cimarron WMA ("North Pawnee") - Terleton, OK
Observation date: 3/15/09 Number of species: 14\

Great Blue Heron - Ardea herodias 18

Turkey Vulture - Cathartes aura 5

Red-shouldered Hawk - Buteo lineatus 2

Red-tailed Hawk - Buteo jamaicensis 1

Ring-billed Gull - Larus delawarensis 2

Mourning Dove - Zenaida macroura 2

Red-bellied Woodpecker - Melanerpes carolinus 1

Northern Flicker - Colaptes auratus 1

Pileated Woodpecker - Dryocopus pileatus 2

American Crow - Corvus brachyrhynchos 4

Carolina Chickadee - Poecile carolinensis 6

Field Sparrow - Spizella pusilla 4

Northern Cardinal - Cardinalis cardinalis 2

Red-winged Blackbird - Agelaius phoeniceus 2

Photo:

A view of one of the tallgrass fields found near the Cimarron River in the Terlton Road section of the Keystone WMA.