This morning I went to Lake Snowden to look for the Blue Grosbeaks (and hope for Bobolinks) after recent sightings from the dam area. It was great birding with 44 species over 3 hours, but none of the two target species were found. 

As is often the case, you instead find something you were not even expecting. 

I parked my car at the gravel area behind the gate (this area belongs to Hocking College) and walked uphill on the muddy tracks that lead you along shrubs and a small stand of trees behind which there is a farmed field. It was there that I flushed two birds that flew to disappear just a little further into the brush. It was clear from their explosive takeoff that it was some sort of a galliform bird, a relative of chicken and turkey. I noticed that the tail was short and lacked any band that would indicate a Ruffed Grouse. The habitat - brush and younger trees - was also more indicative of Bobwhite, a member of the New World Quail family. I remained silent for several minutes in hopes they would emerge again. Instead, I heard their characteristic two-syllable call that gave them their name, Bobwhite. A life bird!  

Other notable birds were several Orchard Orioles, mostly singing males and a female carrying nest material. The fish ponds had 3 Spotted Sandpipers and Killdeer, and three swallow species. Eastern Kingbirds were very obvious in treetops. I got extended looks (and a few photos) of a singing Yellow-breasted Chat, a not-anymore-warbler that usually hides in the vegetation. 

The full list with photos is here:   

http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S29565443

Happy pre-cicada birding (Brood 5 is about to emerge...!

Stefan


Dr. Stefan Gleissberg
Athens Area Birders
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