I decided to make a speed run to BK to see if I could find the recently reported Sandhill Cranes and Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrows. Samantha decided to join me. We got there around 8:20 and saw a Northern Harrier right off the bat. We shortly ran into Dan and Samantha (not to be confused with my Samantha, from here out known as SD). They were getting ready to look for the sparrow so knowing what’s good for me, I decided to join them. Glad I did. It took a long time and a lot of wading through shoulder high grass and 10 inch deep water but just as I was about to give up, it happened. I decided to play the recording that I had downloaded to my phone last night and then he popped up to see what I wanted only about 20 feet away. I looked around and only Dennis Braddy (who had joined us) was around so I got his attention and he came over and called Dan to get them over. We managed to flush the bird a few times until we were all satisfied, then left him in peace. SD and I then left taking an alternative route out in case we came across the cranes. Cranes would have been good but this sparrow was a lifer so it was better. Left the area around 11:45.
Species seen or heard:
• Northern Harrier
• Mourning Dove
• Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
• European Starling
• Chipping Sparrow
• Eastern Meadowlark
• American Crow
• Snow Goose
• Blue Jay
• Great Blue Heron
• Northern Pintail
• Mallard
• Red-tailed Hawk
• American Bittern
• Greater White-fronted Goose
• Marsh Wren
• Swamp Sparrow
• American Pipit
• Savannah Sparrow
• Field Sparrow
• Killdeer
• Sora
• Wilson’s Snipe
• Turkey Vulture
• Red-shouldered Hawk
• Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow
• Ross’s Goose
• Belted Kingfisher
