A Merlin, a small brown falcon, perches on a tree limb. The bird's back faces the camera and he peers over his shoulder. — Merlin. Big Marsh, February 4, 2023. Photo by Dustin Weidner.

words by Kris Hansen

February 4, 2023

Bundled in layers, a dozen birders joined leader Stephanie Beilke on a cold but clear morning at Big Marsh in hopes of finding the Northern Mockingbird that had been reported. While it denied us a good look, we found 18 other species, including a pair of Sandhill Cranes that flushed from the ditch by the entrance as I opened the unlocked gate. A Great Blue Heron stoically continued perching on a tire in that ditch.

A closeup photo of an American Tree Sparrow, a plump, round sparrow with an orange cap and pink bill. The bird is looking down into leaf litter, probably looking for a tasty snack. — American Tree Sparrow. Big Marsh, February 4, 2023. Photo by Dustin Weidner.

Most of the remaining birds that we found along the trail were winter regulars, including Downy Woodpeckers, American Crows, Black-capped Chickadees, Dark-eyed Juncos, and House Finches. We were pleased to find a White-crowned Sparrow foraging alongside the juncos. A bird in a distant tree was too backlit to ID by binoculars, but photographer Emily Tallo later identified it as the Northern Mockingbird.

Our flyovers included a Bald Eagle, a Red-tailed Hawk, and a lone Common Merganser, which flew on since the ponds were iced over.

We were delighted that Stephanie spotted a Merlin on a branch over the parking lot as we returned from our foray. The Merlin had what appeared to be a mouse and did not mind us watching him eat breakfast.

Some of our group needed to leave, but six of us proceeded to Indian Ridge Marsh to tromp along snowy paths. We found 13 species, include Mute Swans, Mallards, Canada Geese, and Herring Gulls on the river.

An adult Bald Eagle, a large raptor with a white head and brown body, soars through a blue sky. — Bald Eagle. Indian Ridge Marsh, February 4, 2023. Photo by Emily Tallo.

We were amazed by 6 Bald Eagles who were working the water and swooping low over the riverside sidewalks, giving us spectacular looks.

A Rough-legged Hawk soars through a blue sky. The bird's tail and wings are are fanned out, showing their white feathers with dark tips.

Once again the parking lot delivered. A Rough-Legged Hawk alternated between perching and then hovering and hunting on the other side of the road. It offered great looks with the scope as well as binoculars and impressed with its ability to remain motionless in the wind.

Field Trip Report: Big Marsh and Indian Ridge