Johnson County Spring Migration Count May 7

The Iowa City Bird Club conducted its annual Spring Count on Saturday.  We had 166 species including 23 wablers, 15 shorebirds, and 12 waterfowl species.  The best bird was undoubtedly the male Black-throated Blue Warbler coming to feeder in River Heights.

Other notable birds included Bell's and White-eyed Vireo in Jim's backyard, two Eared Grebes on the Coralville Reservoir from Scales Point, a Snowy Egret at the Mallard Ponds in the Hawkeye Wildlife Area (HWA), a Virginia Rail at Sycamore Bottoms, two Upland Sandpipers, a Loggerhead Shrike, and a Northern Mockingbird in the pasture along Atwood and 500th St., Summer Tanagers at Hanging Rock Woods and Squire Point, Prothonotary Warbler at Squire Point, Henslow's Sparrows along Grabin Rd. near the Iowa County line, Great-tailed Grackles at a pond along Hwy 6 west of Kent Park, Willets, White-rumped and Baird's Sandpipers, and Dunlin at Round Pond in the HWA, Willets and Peregrine Falcon from Twin View Heights on the Coralville Res., Clay-colored Sparrows near the Swan Lake Woods in the HWA.

Notable misses included American Bittern, Dowitcher sp., American Woodcock, Whip-poor-will, and Bank Swallow.

Across the County, orioles are flocking to feeders.

We also had a possible Black Rail at the SW corner of Sycamore Bottoms.  It was believed to have been heard.  This was the same location that one had been reported on April 24th.  However two additional attempts were made Saturday to flush or call out the bird without success.

Thanks to everyone who participated.  What a great day to be birding.