Field Trip Recap: Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary

words by Carrie Lakin

Nine eager birders joined trip leader Chris Cochrane as we explored the Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary April 26. Although the sky was a bit overcast, we identified 40 bird species throughout the diverse ecosystems located at this truly unique birding site.

Our walk began with a pair of Mallards that seem intent on greeting every person as they enter the gate (hoping for some food). It was a good reminder of our role as birders to educate others about the danger involved with such activities. After appreciating the warm welcome, we wandered deeper into the wooded area with our eyes scanning tree branches, shrubs and ground cover, hoping to spot as many birds as we could.

Montrose Point offers such interesting fauna and flora, which naturally provide a great opportunity to see birds that feed upon the insects drawn to these plants. But let’s not forget the raptors that feed upon other smaller birds are also found visiting here! We spotted a Merlin, an American Kestrel, and a Red-tailed Hawk looking for their next meals.

Looking into the face of a flying raptor, wings upright in a V, against a blue sky. The bird has a dark, sharp hooked bill and dark eyes. It is creamy white with dark brown streaks and bars.

Merlin. Photo by Walter Marcisz, Harborside Golf Course, Feb. 1, 2023.

Common residents of this region were predictable as ever—Northern Cardinal, Black-capped Chickadee, American Robin and the Common Grackle—but we also witnessed a nice variety of migrants, including Yellow-rumped Warbler and Palm Warbler.

The walk out onto the cement pier, also known as the fishhook, proved to be well worth it, as several birds could be seen along the shoreline, dunes and beach area. If you can, be sure to make time for it and you might just be lucky enough to encounter what we did: a Dunlin, a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers, a Piping Plover, a Spotted Sandpiper, and a pair of mating Killdeer.

Seen in profile facing left, a slender, long-bodied bird with a long, narrow bill. The eye is dark with a white eyering. The bird is sandy brown on its head and back and white underneath. It is standing in mucky sand.

Spotted Sandpiper. Photo by Walter Marcisz, Big Marsh, Sept. 1, 2022.

On our return to the woods, a lone Horned Grebe with his yellow horn plumage still present was seen bobbing up and down in the lake water to our left. Many of us had never seen one before. Life birds make a group birding event a terrific way to learn something new.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to explore this bird sanctuary yet, be sure to treat yourself during the next few weeks while it is transformed into a hot little oasis for our spring and summer visitors and the stopover migrants headed farther north.

Field TripKris HansenMontrose Point