For the birds

Last Wednesday, The Denmark News was out and about bright and early for a special new event at a great local park. That morning, the Friends of Neshota Park hosted the Bay Area Bird Club for an early-morning Bird Walk through the scenic park. We joined the birdwatchers to learn more.

The Bay Area Bird Club describes themselves as a "fun-loving, local bird club who take field trips to unique habitats in search of birds". They also host regular meetings, conduct citizen science projects and lead bird walks. This year, the Friends of Neshota Park, who provide upkeep and programming for Neshota County Park, invited a member from the club to conduct one of their bird walks last week.

On Wednesday morning, just under a dozen local birdwatchers gathered in the park's parking lot at 6:30 a.m. to begin the bird walk. There, Bay Area Bird Club member Adam Sinkula greeted them and explained the morning's route and procedures. He also had extra binoculars and bird species checklists for walkers to utilize. Watchers lucked out with mild and sunny conditions with temperatures in the mid-50s.

Sinkula then led the group on a route around the park, starting near the playground and working along the tree line towards the trails. As the group slowly made their way, Sinkula made "pishing" sounds which he said told nearby birds to be alert and made them easier to spot. Members of the group would call out to each other when they spotted a bird, and Sinkula would quickly identify it. He explained the fall migration provides better opportunities for birdwatching than the spring due to the birds taking their time more along the way.

The group made their way around the .9 mile Fawn Ridge trail loop scouring the trees and brush for signs of movement. As they walked, the group discussed features of the different birds they were seeing as well as other great birdwatching locations. Members of the Friends of Neshota who were with the group also provided interesting insights into the park's history.

The first-ever Neshota Park Bird Walk was a great success with an assortment of local birdwatchers enjoying a peaceful morning in nature. The Friends of Neshota say they are looking into hosting a similar bird walk next spring and will keep their followers posted. The organization has also recently unveiled a new little free library in the park for guests to enjoy.