An local birder made a trip to Several breeding Bird Atlas Blocks today in NE Johnson County. The following notable birds were seen.

Lake Macbride Bike Trail

1 Willow Flycatcher

1 Blue-winged Warbler

1 Lark Sparrow

Lake Macbride State Park North

1 Pileated Woodpecker

2 Acadian Flycatchers – pair including female on nest

1 Yellow-throated Warbler

Big Grove Preserve

2 Veeries

2 Blue-winged Warblers – agitated pair at presumed nest site

Sugar Bottom Recreation Area

2 Acadian Flycatchers

1 Blue-winged Warbler

1 Yellow-throated Warbler

1 Orchard Oriole

Macbride Nature-Recreation Area

1 Pileated Woodpecker

2 Acadian Flycatchers – this species certainly seems to be doing well in this area

0 Cerulean Warblers

The observer noted that Lake Macbride State Park used to be the place to find Cerulean Warblers in Johnson County. He has noted steadily declining numbers over the past 5-10 years, with this years zero birds seen. He wonders whether anyone has seen Ceruleans Macbride Nature Recreation Area or Lake MacBride SP this year.

Cerulean Warblers are on the Audubon Society's Watchlist with a worldwide population estimated at 560,000. Ceruleans have probably been decline for a century with habitat losses on both its summer breeding range and on its wintering range. For more information check out these links. There are one or more photos of this bird which is heard more than seen.

Audubon Watchlist

Birdlife International

Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center

American Bird Conservancy