Indian Springs Sports Complex - Broken Arrow, OK (March 12, 2009)

About Indian Springs Sports Complex:


http://www.brokenarrowok.gov/Index.aspx?page=508



http://tulsaaudubon.org/guides/indian-springs.htm


The Indian Springs Sports Complex is a city park located in south Broken Arrow along the Arkansas River. The bulk of the park consists of baseball and soccer fields, however much of the area along the river is forested. ISSC is not the ideal birding location, but in summer the mowed fields provide terrific hunting grounds for Scissor-tailed flycatchers, Eastern and Western Kingbirds, Mockingbirds, and various hawks. Shallow areas and small inlets along the river offer one a chance to see wading birds, shorebirds, gulls, terns, and during winter, Bald Eagles.


March 12th Excursion


I arrived at ISSC at around 2:15 pm and parked in the southwest parking lot. The land bordering the west part of ISSC consists of a large unmowed field surrounded by forest. Along the south edge of this field is a small meandering stream that eventually empties into the Arkansas River. An unimproved path leads one from the parking lot along the stream and then back through the field, making for a nice short tour.

A group of 2-4 Carolina Chickadees could be heard in the forested areas, as well as a male Northern Cardinal. I startled a Great Blue Heron into flight while walking along the side of the stream.

I decided to set up my position on a large sandbar along the stream's edge. While setting my tripod up, I noticed 4 Wood Ducks sitting motionless on the opposite side of the stream. They must have seen me too, because all 4 leaped into the air and flew off towards the river. Even though Wood Ducks are considered relatively common, I am always excited to see the ornate dabbling ducks.

While on the sandbar I heard the distinctive rattle of the Belted Kingfisher, and then located the source. A male Belted Kingfisher sat perched upon a small branch several feet above the water, seemingly calling to nearby members. He kept a close eye on me, continued calling, then flew off as I continued setting up my tripod.

I sat quietly for around 30 minutes, waiting to see if any birds approached my position. I must have chosen a particularly comfortable position because after 30 minutes I had fallen asleep. As I woke up I noticed a large dark shape land 20 feet in front of me on the branch of a tree. I lay completely still to avoid spooking the bird. Eventually, I could see it was a Red-tailed Hawk perched above the stream attentively scanning for prey. I was able to watch him for about 5 minutes, before he took wing to look for food elsewhere. I was thrilled to have the chance to watch a hawk so closely without the aid of binoculars or a scope.

Bird Count:

Location: Indian Springs Sports Complex - Broken Arrow, OK

Observation date: 3/11/09 Number of species: 10

Wood Duck - Aix sponsa 4

Great Blue Heron - Ardea herodias 1

Turkey Vulture - Cathartes aura 1

Red-tailed Hawk - Buteo jamaicensis 2

Belted Kingfisher - Megaceryle alcyon 1

American Crow - Corvus brachyrhynchos 5

Carolina Chickadee - Poecile carolinensis 2

Carolina Wren - Thryothorus ludovicianus 1

Northern Cardinal - Cardinalis cardinalis 2

Photo:
Three young Scissor-tailed flycatchers await the delivery of a meal. This photo was taken at ISSC in July 2008.



-SPQ 3/14/2009