📜 Quest Log

Our second FeatherQuest field trip kicked off at 9:00 AM under sunny skies—with no breeze this time, the morning heat settled in fast. The group was a bit smaller than day one, but still about 20 strong, and just as excited to see what the trail would offer.

Armed with field guides, checklists, and our karaoke speaker mic once again, we headed west along the lakeshore trail. The Killdeer greeted us early, followed by fuzzy baby coots paddling near the reeds. A Black-capped Chickadee made a quick, unofficial appearance before the walk began.

This time with the sun to the East, we turned to the western shoreline and were rewarded with a close view of a White-faced Ibis calmly feeding just off the path. Resting Forster’s Terns, Ring-billed Gulls, and Canada Geese clustered along the shore while Yellow Warblers and Song Sparrows sang us onward from the trees.

Near the trail's end, we tracked a Snowy Egret weaving gracefully along the edge of the trees until it broke into the open water. From the top of the watchtower, a Great Blue Heron soared past us in dramatic fashion, drawing gasps and much joy. Minutes later, we spotted it again, perched on a nest-like island right off the trail—an iconic parting image.

As the group began to return, those who lingered at the end (as usual) were rewarded: the long-heard Eastern Kingbird finally revealed himself, swooping out from a treetop perch to give one final highlight before we wrapped.

Another 22-species day, another adventure in the books.