I haven't explored the southernmost portions of the Deer Creek Wildlife Area since last May. No paths into the area have been mowed since last fall. With the cooler temperatures and overcast this morning I decided that it was about time for a few hours of long overdue bushwhacking to check out this fascinating area. While most birds have long stopped singing, the most notable exception was about a dozen Sedge Wrens apparently on territory in the SE corner of the state wildlife area. This is an area that was burned by ODNR early last spring (maybe March if I remember correctly). Last year, as far as I know, there were probably no more than 2 pairs of Sedge Wrens at Deer Creek and they were on the SW side. There were three more Sedge Wrens on that SW side today with a few more scattered elsewhere for a total of over 15, perhaps 20 in the areas I checked out. In contrast to the scruffy looking resident Marsh Wrens still present (but no longer singing) in the cattails, the Sedge Wrens that I got my binoculars on today looked very pristine.

Among the few other birds singing were about a half dozen Henslow's Sparrows. Last May there seemed to confined exclusively to the SW side of the area. The birds today were all in the grass between the the two southern forks of the cattails, also presumably on territory for a second nesting. Last year they continued singing into October. The habitat and conditions look very promising for another good influx of Nelson's and LeConte's Sparrows next month.

I must say ODNR is doing a great job manging this very special area. 


Bob Royse


Robert Royse
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www.roysephotos.com


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