The dairy farm at the intersection of Weaver and Reynolds Roads near Utica is continuing to spread manure on the cornfields, and these were teeming with horned larks yesterday afternoon, Jan. 9.  We also re-found the pipits, in the driveway to the barn and one in the field with the horned larks.  Among the horned larks were at least 8 snow buntings.  We also had 8 longspurs put down right in front of us, the closest and best views that either of us had ever had.  If you go to see this spectacle, please be respectful of the men who are working on the farm, and don’t park or pull off where you will block their tractor or truck.  While we were there, they took another load of manure to spread, and we estimated well over 300 horned larks with a few buntings mixed in moved out and then back into the field. 

Just before we were about to leave, one of the local bald eagles flew across the same field and perched in a nearby sycamore tree, where it was strafed by a red-tailed hawk.  We also saw a male (small) hunting in the same field, sometimes perched up on one of the taller remaining cornstalks. 

This location is easily reached from State Route 62, just west of Utica.  Reynolds turns south just west of the bridge on the west edge of Utica.  Go past the orchard, down the hill, and watch for Weaver Road on the left.   All birds are easily seen from your vehicle.  From Newark, go north on State Route 13 past Coad’s Homestead and turn left on Smoots Road.  The next right is Weaver Road.  Follow until it makes a sharp right turn and heads downhill.  You may see birds picking grit along the road between the cornfields (we did), but the best show is in the adjacent cornfields.

Margaret Bowman
Licking Co., OH

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