After a hiatus last fall, we will pick back up with our annual tradition of visiting Duck River just before the seasonal closure of the refuge. By mid-November, lots of waterfowl should already have returned and we have a chance to spot up to 20 species. Duck River also hosts a large population of wintering raptors and we’ll be on the lookout for eagles, harriers, hawks, and falcons. We will also keep an eye out for sparrows, and we’ll have the chance to find at least 10 species – we will have an optional sparrow stomp though some marshy fields for LeConte’s sparrow and others. For logistical reasons, carpooling is highly encouraged. We’ll meet at the MTA Park-and-Ride in Bellevue and leave at 6:15am; you can also meet us at the refuge entrance at 8:00am. Please dress for the weather and bring plenty of water and snacks. If you wish to participate in the sparrow stomp, waterproof shoes or muck boots are highly recommended. We should finish up around mid-day or early afternoon. (Contact information: ms722@bellsouth.net Please include “NTOS Field Trip” in the subject line.)
