Hi Folks -

Another grand morning in the field - this time Bath Nature Preserve (off Ira
Road...just west of Rt. 21 near Richfield). I didn't make it out till 10
a.m. and it was really starting to cook up. Just down the hill from the
parking lot I came upon the first flight-displaying male BOBOLINK.

Taking the 'creekside trail' allowed for old-field species in good numbers.
Gray Catbirds, Yellow Warblers, and Eastern Bluebirds were out in force,
along with Common Yellowthroat, Song Sparrow, Field Sparrow, and Eastern
Kingbirds.

Nearing the low-lying large grass & sedge-filled field, I peered up to one
of many snag-filled large willows and black walnuts and was treated to an
OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER.

Crossing the field and working towards a small hillside covered in bramble,
I was mocked by a YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT - a species that I haven't before
been able to pick up at Bath NP, but have continued to search for in vain.
Was able to get a quick look as it popped out of cover for a brief couple of
seconds, then dipped back into thick tangle.

It's a bit too early for territorial Henslow's to be calling - none were
heard. Throughout the grasslands I was able to see at least 8 displaying
Bobolinks, and added Savannah Sparrow, Eastern Meadowlark, and Least and
Willow Flycatchers to the walk. A large and dry 'bog' sits down below the
grassland fields - here I found 2 singing Prothonotary Warblers. The
predominately oak and maple forest held several singing Hooded Warblers,
Scarlet Tanager, American Redstart, a few Magnolia Warblers, several pairs
of Great Crested Flycatchers, and the scrubby edges were thick with Indigo
Bunting song.

Ran into Brett and Jim McCarty - thanks to Brett's pointing out of a
slick-looking Blue-winged Warbler right at the parking lot.

Bath Nature Preserve is sure to impress.

cheers
jb

Jen Brumfield

Akron, Ohio
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Birding America / www.birding-america.com
Illustrator/Naturalist, Cleveland Metroparks
Nikon Birding Optics ProStaff/ nikonusa.com
Editorial Advisor, A Bird's-Eye View / ABA
personal site: www.meadowhawkart.com

"Journeys, like artists, are born and not made. A thousand differing
circumstances contribute to them, few of them willed or determined by the
will." - Lawrence Durrell

"Blessed are the curious for they shall have adventure." - L. Drachman

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