Birding was rather slow and uneventful at The Wilds and surrounding areas
today but the weather was stunning.  Now that they are closed for the season
- I was able to access to the Visitor's Center and Johnson Center.  When the
Wilds is open - parking is $5 at the bottom of the hill and private access
to the top of the hill where the visitor's center is - is prohibited.  On
the contrary when they close for the season, if the access gates are open at
the entrance to the Visitor's center, it's usually not a problem to go up
and have a scope around.  Be advised though that during the off season Wilds
security will know you are there.  This area allows excellent vantage points
over a large portion of the interior of The Wilds - I had no luck in
locating any Golden Eagles.  I also searched fruitlessly in the Coal
Haul/Coal Hill area with no luck.  I was there for three hours before I saw
the first and only Northern Harrier of the entire day.  I did see one
Rough-legged hawk though, the first of the season for me at this location.
Ring-necked ducks (three different locations with 50-60 birds each) and
Turkey vultures numbered in the hundreds.  Everywhere you looked, Turkey
vultures floated around lazily in thermals.  One can only cover so much of
this area in one day - many parts go unvisited during a whole day of birding
so it's hard to imagine there are no Northern Shrikes in the area but I was
unsuccessful in locating one.  The weather has to get worse.



Perhaps the highlight of the day was getting great looks at a Bobcat on SR
284 while heading South between International Road and SR 340.  A very
graceful and healthy looking an animal - it didn't allow me to watch it too
long as it disappeared into nearby woods.



Glen Crippen

Burr Oak Lake
















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