During Ornithology class on September 18, 2009 we vistited the Hocking River mudflats across from the Ridges on State Route 682 in Athens County, Ohio. What a beautiful day; it was sunny with a slight breeze and around 28 degrees celcius. We observed and heard 7 Kill Deer foraging all along the edge of the Hocking River. We also observed 10 or more Canada Geese with 3 domestic white geese within the flock. They were swimming,preening and splashing around the river also obviously enjoying the weather!! One of domestic white geese showed agressive stance towards a pair of Canada Geese, they returned the gesture and then everybody found there space and went back to preening as if to show that everything was okay again. Susan Lyons observed two Turkey Vultures overhead soaring and pointed them out to the rest of class. Kyle spotted a Mourning Dove flying overhead. The highlight of the day was when Bernadette and Susan saw a shorebird species which the class identified as a Spotted Sandpiper and this was confirmed by Dr. Miles. Thge Spotted Sandpiper was walking along shore and already in it’s winter plumage phase. The identifying characteristics were the white eye ring, yellowish legs and a white patch right before the wing. As a class we proceeded to Zaleaski State Forest in Vinton County, Ohio to a wetland area with quite a few snags throughout the area in hopes of seeing woodpecker species. After we observed the wetland area we walked on the “Grouse Trail” which is adjacent th the wetland and is predominately made up of wetland trees and shrubs. We obseved a flycatcher species which we identified as an Eastern Phoebe using the flattened bill and pumping action of the tail as distinguishing characteristics. We also heard an Eastern Pee Wee and White Eyed Vireo which song was confirmed by Dr. Miles. We also heard 4 or more American Goldfinches calling,one Red-Bellied Woodpecker, and observed a Great Blue Heron sitting in a snag. Overall we saw quite a few spieces given that it was such a warm day and the middle of the afternoon. Hope to see many more species by the end of class.
Julie Gillem
