Hi all,

I went searching for Nelson's and LeConte's Sparrows this morning at Mallard Club and Metzger Marsh Wildlife Areas (Lucas County). Mallard Club turned up nothing besides the usual Marsh Wrens and Swamp, Lincoln's, White-throated and Song Sparrows.

Metzger on the other hand was more productive. I usually park at the pull-off right after the FIRST bend, near the group of trees. Here, an overgrown trail heads straight east, which used to be the old road into Metzger. Due to very dry conditions this year, there's now a path to the south of the tree line which takes you back to the good habitat (usually this would be too wet). When I say good, I mean there are extensive patches of grassy areas blanketed by smartweed, a preferred plant for the orange-faced sparrows. Anyway, there were at least two LECONTE'S SPARROWS back in this excellent habitat. Surprisingly, I had no Nelson's Sparrows - even in the wetter areas.

Also of note was a single PLEGADIS IBIS that was in flight landing much farther east towards the lakefront.

Good birding,

Ethan Kistler
Oak Harbor, Ohio
Director-at-large
Ohio Ornithological Society

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