A brutal ride pays off

 

American Golden-Plover

I just got back from a long, cross-country trip and have been excited to get back on the bike. Watching reports of several target species showing up in the area have added to my "itchiness" to get out. Nelson's Sparrow, LeConte's Sparrow, and Harris's Sparrow have been on the top of my list. I've been sifting through flocks of White-throated Sparrows looking for a Harris's for a while, but still no luck. For the other two, there's a reliable spot...but one that is an unpleasant ride - Marsh WMA. You may remember my last trip there was a total bust. Still, no pain, no gain - and I decided to go for it yesterday afternoon. 

The conditions on the ride over quickly made me question my decision. Steady 20-25 mph winds were blowing directly into my face. Every hill was a battle, especially those on gravel roads. It was brutal. After crawling along for about 3 miles, I paused and considered going back. This is a 31-mile round trip, and I was weighted down more than normal as I was hauling boots to enable me to walk through the marsh to kick up Nelson's Sparrow. I decided I'd push through. 

Shortly after deciding to keep going, a meadowlark flushed from the side of the road, which immediately got me perked up. This late in the year, it's as likely to be a Western Meadowlark, which I still needed (and wasn't expecting). Sure enough, a binocular view confirmed - limited white in the tail, and a very pale bird overall, weakly flying away. I'm pretty sure that I heard a distinctive call note also, but tough with the howling wind. An unsatisfying look overall, but enough to confirm. Nice!

Off to chase sparrows

After two plus hours (double what the ride usually takes) of battling the wind, I made it. My legs were tired so I rested for a bit - still doubting my decision to push on. The ride back was going to be hard, even with a tailwind. Thoughts of calling someone to pick me up crossed my mind. Some water and rest helped though, and I threw my boots on and walked down to the wetland edge. 

I was quickly rewarded with two Nelson's Sparrows! That was a big relief. Riding all the way down here (again) and not getting anything would have been totally demoralizing. They were being their usual mousy selves and not giving good looks at all, but again, enough to identify. I paused for a bit and scanned the mudflats - two American Golden-Plovers were a nice treat, and there were also Killdeer and American Pipits feeding on the flats. A small group of Trumpeter Swans voiced their displeasure with me, which was enough to get the shorebirds to get anxious and flush. I decided to move on - these birds have a LONG way to go (to South America in the case of the plovers) and need to rest and feed. Time to hit the grasslands for LeConte's. 

LeConte's Sparrow habitat? 

The thick grass was a challenge to walk through with tired legs. Thankfully I flushed a bird pretty quickly but didn't get a great look. It flew weakly back into the grass like you'd expect for a LeConte's. I flushed it again, same thing, not a great look. Finally, a third flush gave me a good enough look - juvenile LeConte's! Thrilled, I immediately started walking back. I had a long ride ahead. I flushed another more cooperative LeConte's on the way out - I got decent look at this one but couldn't get a photo unfortunately. The strong wind was keeping them hunkered down. 

Post-LeConte's celebration

I got back to my bike and took my boots off and drank some more water. After resting for about 5 minutes, I took a deep breath and got back on the bike. I really wanted to get back before dark - and the approaching rain. 

Thankfully, the tailwind was a major help. I flew back where I was just struggling to make progress. I quickly got to the town of Jordan, my halfway point. While the wind was a huge help, my legs and back were really tired already. I had to stop. I grabbed a sports drink and energy bar - and sat down. I did NOT want to get back up. My legs were dead. However, I knew I couldn't rest too long or I'd never get going again. The drink and snack helped for sure. I stretched out for a little bit and got back on. I'd take it SLOW. 

Eventually, with lots of hopping off the bike and walking, I made it back. I was totally spent. I sat down on the couch and didn't move much the rest of the evening! I felt great though. The meadowlark was a big bonus, and the two sparrows were just what I wanted. Now I don't have to go back there anymore - or do I - it's a great Long-eared Owl spot...ugh! 

Anyways, those three birds pushed me up to 226 "green" species. Next up, locking down a Harris's Sparrow, and shifting back to the water for scoters, grebes, and the "elusive" Canvasback. Thanks for reading!