PAULK'S PASTURE FIELD TRIP
On Jan 31st, eight birders trudged through a water-logged field at Paulk's Pasture WMA in search of the elusive Henslow's Sparrow. As the group fanned out in a line across the field, large flocks of American Robins flew overhead, while Eastern Bluebirds and Brown-headed Nuthatches called from the nearby forest. The first sparrows to flush out of the grass into the bushes refused to stay in view for more than a moment, but eventually everyone got good looks at one cooperative Henslow's, which was a lifer for several in the group. Pleased with the early success, the group moved deeper into the WMA to a wooded swamp where Gene Keferl had recently observed a pair of Winter Wrens. The group found the wrens as well as a flock of winter residents. Highlights there were White-breasted Nuthatches and a Brown Creeper.
To round out the trip, some of the birders headed to Altamaha WMA, where they found a variety of waterfowl including Northern Pintails and Common Goldeneyes. The group enjoyed great views of an American Bittern and discussed the differences between Rusty and Brewer's Blackbirds. submitted by: Wendy Fair, OAS member
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