We woke early Sunday, picked up Noah, and headed to Spruce Lake Bog. The bog itself was small but hosted some gorgeous carnivorous plants. It looked it it should've been really birdy, but we weren't picking up many species. Time was of the essence today, since we only had a brief time in the morning to bird before heading back to the Audubon conference.
Our next stop was the Parnell Tower Trail of Kettle Moraine SF. We started up the trail and reached the base of a lookout tower. Several (and I mean several) cases of steps later, we were at the canopy, providing great looks into the forest, but unfortunately few birds. We heard Scarlet Tanagers and Red-eyed Vireos calling from amongst the trees.
We descended and continued on the trail. We got great looks at a Hooded and Black-throated Green Warbler, and it seemed like our luck was turning. I was several meters behind Peter and Noah when they abruptly stopped and waved me over. They had heard something giving a metallic chip from the shrubbery. We watched intently as something flitted about. Finally, the bird came into the open and identified itself as a gorgeous Mourning Warbler - a lifer for us all! The bright little male showed off for several minutes while I tried following him with my camera.
Time was ticking, so we headed back to the car with high hopes for our next stop: Jersey Flats. We arrived at a lush green prairie, painted with bright purple, blue, and yellow wildflowers. After marveling at the scenery, I quickly refocused myself. Peter gestured at some sparrow-like birds ahead. We got closer and realized they were Clay-colored Sparrows - our target species! I've really come to appreciate sparrows over the years. They may be colored more dull earthy tones, but always in such elaborate patterns. Their bright white cheek patch and pink bill gave them away. We watched them fly low around the brush for a bit, then completed a short trail around the meadow.
We attempted another spot close by, but the voracity of the deer flies that were slamming into our car made us rethink our decision to hike. Instead, we turned and headed back towards Milwaukee to attend the last day of sessions, and to fly back to Florida soon after. Though it was a short trip, it was a great experience to attend the National Audubon Conference, bird the Wisconsin bogs and prairies, and to meet a wonderful new friend!
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