Rural birding in Morgan County (old DeLorme 70 D2) has become a little more
interesting lately, including the Carolina wrens that just built a nest on
the porch and which are now on eggs.  Also, Common nighthawks have been
visible passing overhead several nights in a row with the largest group
being about 15 birds.  Heading from west to east generally, they put on a
pretty nice show feeding over the forest and the fields. All three species
of summer owls were also heard last night with the screech setting things
off well before dark - instigating quite the scolding from the brave
residents of the yard and wood's edge.  Then the Barred sounded out shortly
after dark and Great horned was last - two counter singing birds lasted
longer than I did - they were still going at it when I came in the house.
These owls while relatively close did not boast their hooting like they do
in the winter, rather a soft reminder of territory.  Finally this evening I
took a ride down to the north end of Burr Oak Lake accessible via dock area
3 road from state route 78 where I encountered at least 600 (probably much
more) Red winged blackbirds feeding on the invasive Lotus seeds from the
plants that are exploiting the entire north end of Burr Oak.  Quite a shame
really considering this plant was not here at all 5 years ago and now they
stretch as far as the scope can see.  If our water levels were down here, I
wouldn't even bother to try for shorebirds as this wretched plant blocks
visibility of all mudflats - some of which produced a nice variety of
shorebirds and waders including Glossy ibis a couple years back.  The lotus
undoubtedly degrades the fishing as well as it stretches lake wide and is
impenatratable by any means.  Burr Oak was once a fine Largemouth bass
destination and now I rarely here of anyone catching these beauties. The
state of Ohio may be interested in developing a management practice as soon
as possible as the rapid spread of this plant seems unstoppable at this
point.  Maybe a draw down is in order - this would probably be a good idea
if this surface water were not the source of drinking water for over 20,000
homes in rural Morgan, Athens, Hocking and Perry counties.

Glen Crippen
Burr Oak Lake



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