Four inches of rain the day before left high water everywhere in the Evansville area and hot humid weather accompanied us the entire weekend. And don’t even ask about the confusion caused by Indiana’s time changes. In spite of this southwest Indiana yielded up many of its treasures to 16 intrepid birders from Illinois and Kentucky as well as Indiana.

On Friday evening Judy Leahy, Terry Ballenger, Laura Sexson, Paula Riggs, Brenda Turchiarelli, and Alan Bruner met at Evansville’s eastside Lowe’s store parking lot. Around 9:00 p.m. we headed out northeast of town under the leadership of local birding experts Charles Mills and Tammy Turner. We were on the hunt for Chuck-wills-widow. As we walked up Ditny Hill Wood Thrushes serenaded us from deep in the woods. At the top of the hill we patiently waited for the goatsuckers to call. Just as the avian chorus stopped the insect chorus began and through the din Tammy and a few others heard the diagnostic “chuck” call of a Chuck-wills-widow. Soon a Whip-poor-will started up and sang vigorously but the “Chuck” refused to call again. A few more stops produced a Barred Owl but no additional goatsuckers.

The following morning Judy Leahy, Terry Ballenger, Laura Sexson, Martha Magers, Cindy and Ted Meyer, Tammy Turner, and Alan Bruner met bright and early at the Lowe’s meeting spot. We drove directly to Lincoln St. Park where we were met by Charles Morris and Ken Hurm and our leader for the morning, David Ayer, the park naturalist. After birding around the nature center and dam area we started our hike on Trail #3 with hopes of seeing Worm-eating Warbler. Red-shouldered Hawk, Summer Tanagers, Great Crested Flycatcher, Acadian Flycatchers, Kentucky Warblers, Ovenbird, Yellow-throated Warbler, and many other woodland birds made themselves known but no luck on the Worm-eater. David did however point out the delicately beautiful flower of the Butterfly Pea which was almost worth the hike in itself.

Upon returning to the dam, Tammy Turner alerted us to the Mississippi Kites hovering over the beach parking lot across the lake. Up to three could be seen at once. We drove to the parking lot where one of them soared and sallied after insects right over our heads showing off their pearly white heads and wing patches. A nest of Red-headed Woodpeckers found by Judy was virtually ignored as we savored the flight of the kite.

A quick stop at the Lincoln Memorial just outside the park and we were off for lunch in Dale Indiana.

After lunch Tammy Turner utilized her orienteering skills to lead through the Stanley Mine and Bluegrass FWA areas. It wasn’t long before excellent full-scope views of Henslow’s and Grasshopper Sparrows, and Dickcissels were enjoyed. Orchard Oriole, Prairie and Black-and-white Warbler, and Yellow-breasted Chat made themselves evident and many Bell’s Vireos were heard but refused to give everyone the great view we sought. Blue Grosbeaks were difficult but allowed us a few brief views and three vocal solos. Unfortunately all water levels were extremely high which thwarted our efforts to see waterfowl. Believe it or not only one Canada Goose and no Wood Ducks were found.

Having experienced enough heat for the day we headed back to Evansville. On the way a Common Nighthawk was spotted sitting across a wire while two others were acrobatically interacting overhead.

On Sunday morning, Judy Leahy, Laura Sexson, Paula Riggs, Cindy and Ted Meyer, Robert and Judy Wargel, Carol Pettys, and Alan Bruner followed leader Charles Mills to the far southwest point of Indiana. Four Fish Crows were waiting for us at the Hovey Lake headquarters parking lot. They continued to cavort nearby, constantly giving their nasal call. A Prothonotary Warbler sang nearby but only a female showed itself.

Next stop, Twin Swamps Nature Preserve. The cool walk through the deciduous swamp was not as squishy as we expected and the mosquitoes were very well behaved. This made for a very enjoyable hike to the cypress swamp amid the songs of Acadian Flycatcher, Eastern Wood-Pewee, White-eyed Vireo, American Redstart, Northern Parula, Prothonotary Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Kentucky Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, and Carolina Wren, as well as more calling Fish Crows.

Along the roads outside of Twin Swamps Horned Larks were encountered and a very cooperative male Blue Grosbeak allowed thorough examination as it sang on the wires. A brief stop at the Uniontown Lock and Dam added Double-crested Cormorant and hundreds of Cliff Swallows to our list.

We returned to the Hovey Lake parking lot where an unexpected Mississippi Kite appeared over the trees to the west. We next took a short walk along the levee bordering the marsh to the south and enjoyed super views of Red-headed Woodpeckers as well as a gorgeous male Prothonotary Warbler feeding young in a dead snag. An adult Bald Eagle flew over us and a Green Heron was noted.

From here we were Gibson Co. bound. Flooded roads prevented us from reaching some of our planned stops but we finally made it to Cane Ridge Wildlife Management Area. Great Egrets were seen in flooded fields nearby as well as from the observation blind. Great views were obtained of the nesting Least Terns and the summering male Redhead was quickly located. Due to the vegetation height we struck out on the anticipated Black-necked Stilts, but a Least Bittern flew over the cattails long enough for everyone to identify it. We then drove around the power plant cooling lake but again high water limited our ability to see waterbirds. Charles Mills was able to get us permission to see the lake which enabled us to see the four Double-crested Cormorant nest on the middle dike.

Overall 97 species were identified during the weekend, including four Mississippi Kites at two locations, seven Fish Crows at three locations, a Least Bittern seen by all observers, many Least Terns, and excellent views of Henslow’s Sparrow. The rather late date and hot, humid weather affected many songsters and the high waters ironically hurt us on waterbirds.

Much appreciated was the leadership of our local guides, Tammy Turner, Charles Mills, and David Ayer. Also appreciated was the patience of participants in dealing with the various interpretations of starting times as well as their cooperation and great fellowship during the weekend.

Alan W. Bruner
IAS Field Trip Chair

Photos by Alan Bruner