I headed over to the AEP Grasslands in Muskingum Co. this afternoon. It wasn't as birdy as it has been in previous years. I drove around for about 4 hours and managed to see the expected species in modest numbers.

As far as raptors go :
N. Harriers - 8 or 9
Red-tailed Hawk - 3
Rough-legged Hawk -  6 (2 dark, 4 light)
Am. Kestrel - 4
Prairie Falcon - 0
Golden Eagle - 0
Short-eared Owl - 8 or 9

Also of note : 1 NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen on the NW side of the Wilds on Zion Ridge Rd. near the intersection with Rt. 146. I didn't see one where previously reported on Prouty. I suppose it could be the same bird, but that location is about 7 miles away from where this one was seen.

The Short-eared Owls popped up around 4:00. Half of them were seen  from the road that branches left off of Prouty on the other side of the locked yellow gate. A few years ago when there were big numbers of raptors in those grasslands, that used to be a terrific location for SE Owls. Perhaps there were many more behind the gate. Too bad that road is now off limits!

Several of the ponds held Ring-necked Ducks and/or Gadwalls. Except for the numerous flocks of American Tree Sparrows, passerines were few and far between. Several  E. Meadowlarks, and E. Bluebirds were noted.

Bob Royse


Robert Royse
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www.roysephotos.com

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