Oxbow, Inc.
Protecting and Preserving Wetlands
Date: Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Location: Oxbow
Reporter: Bruce Leonhardt
2 mature & 3 juvenile Bald Eagles at the south end of Oxbow Lake. Today they were hungry for duck. -1 Mallard
Date: Saturday, December 12, 2009
Location: Oxbow
Reporter: Paul Krusling
I stopped by the Oxbow today to see if the Sandhill Cranes were still there. I was not disappointed. The following is what I saw:
Canada Goose 40, American Black Duck 6, Mallard 30, Wild Turkey 14, Great Blue Heron 4, Turkey Vulture 2, Bald Eagle 1,
Cooper's Hawk 1, Red-tailed Hawk 6, Sandhill Crane 70+, Killdeer 1 Heard only, Ring-billed Gull 15, Rock Pigeon 24, Mourning Dove 17, Red-bellied Woodpecker 2, Downy Woodpecker 3, American Crow 200+, Horned Lark 60, Carolina Chickadee 20, Tufted Titmouse 40, White-breasted Nuthatch 2, Carolina Wren 1, American Robin 100, Northern Mockingbird 1, European Starling 20000+, Song Sparrow 1, Northern Cardinal 2, American Goldfinch 4, House Sparrow 40
Date: Friday, December 11, 2009
Location: Oxbow
Reporter: Bruce Leonhardt
There are at least 50 Sandhill Crane in the corn field near Mercer pond. The passage to mercer is flooded, too high for my 8" mud boots. I started counting them as they landed around 3:00 p.m. as I stood at the observation area. 4 groups landed within 15 minutes. It was wild listening to them as I stood there with socks absorbing what water entered my boots. I was not able to photograph them.
Date: Sunday, December 6, 2009
Location: The Oxbow
Reporter: Joshua Eastlake
Beautiful day, but not a great one for waterfowl. 20 Great Blue Heron (16 of which were together on the ground in the middle of some cornfield stubble - very unusual), 3 Wild Turkey (also in stubble), 100+ Mallard, 2 Green-Winged Teal, 3 Common Goldeneye, 1 Ring-Billed Gull, 60+ Rusty Blackbird, 1 Pied Billed Grebe. Also present: w-b nuthatch, flicker, sapsucker, downy, mourning dove, chickadee, titmouse, goldfinch, song sparrow, w-t sparrow, red-tailed hawk, eastern bluebird, crow, starling, turkey vulture, Canada geese
Date: Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Location: Oxbow area
Reporter: Sister Marty Dermody
Other Birders: College of Mount St. Joseph Ecology Class
Beautiful morning this morning with the College of Mount St. Joseph Ecology Class.
Belted Kingfisher, Carolina Chickadee, Carolina Wren, Double Crested Cormorant, Mallards, Black Ducks, Hooded Merganser, Red-tailed Hawk, American Crows, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Great Blue Heron, European Starlings,Turkey Vulture,Ring-billed Gulls, Mockingbird, Mourning Dove great looks at an Osprey and a possible immature Bald Eagle.
Date: Monday, November 30, 2009
Location: Oxbow & Jackpot Pond
Reporter: Joe Kappa
Sightings at dusk: Canada Goose- 150, Mallard- 250, American Black Duck- 12, Wood Duck- 13, Ring-neck Duck- 10, Green-wing Teal-30, American Widgeon- 8, Gadwall- 10, Great Blue Heron- 13
There were at least 100 additional ducks I couldn't identify due to low light levels and the distance they were at.
Date: Saturday, November 21, 2009
Location: Oxbow & Lost Bridge
Reporter: Joe Kappa
Five Eagle Day in Oxbow Region
While driving through the Oxbow I saw one juvenile Bald Eagle fishing the lake. Minutes later I found four more Bald Eagles (two adult, two juvenile) in one tree which were seen from the bridge near the river.
Date: Saturday, November 21, 2009
Location: Oxbow
Reporter: Bruce Leonhardt
Other Birders: Michele Leonhardt
We spotted a Short Eared Owl in the north end of the treeline between Jackpot Pond and the entrance to Hollywood. It was a pleasant surprise from the norm. Maybe a passer-by?
Date: Sunday, November 15, 2009
Location: Shawnee Lookout, Oxbow
Reporter: Barb Schwallie
Shawnee Lookout: Miami Fort Trail -- 1 Downy Woodpecker, 1 White-breasted Nuthatch, 2 Carolina Chickadees, 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker
The Oxbow -- 2 Red-bellied Woodpeckers, 2 Downy Woodpeckers, 1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 3 Ring-billed Gulls, 3 Great Blue Herons, 1 White-breasted Nuthatch, 2 Carolina Chickadees, 1 Turkey Vulture
What a beautiful, silvery, warm autumn day!
Date: Sunday, November 15, 2009
Location: Lost Bridge
Reporter: Bruce Leonhardt
Had some fun watching the display of several Eagles. 4 Juvi's and 3 adults total. Check out the last 9 photos.
http://leonhardt.smugmug.com/Animals/Eagles-1/7277318_kGfin/1/692439388_zmL9K
Date: Friday, November 13, 2009
Location: Oxbow
Reporter: Paul Krusling
I drove through the oxbow at around 3:45 pm and saw the following: Canada Goose 12 , Wood Duck 30, American Wigeon 4, American Black Duck 2, Mallard 70, Green-winged Teal 25, Great Blue Heron 7, Osprey 1 (circling over Jackpot pond), Red-tailed Hawk 2, American Coot 4, Mourning Dove 4, American Crow 2, Carolina Chickadee 2, White-breasted Nuthatch 1, American Robin 50, Northern Mockingbird 1, European Starling 30, Northern Cardinal 2
Date: Friday, November 13, 2009
Location: Oxbow
Reporter: Dale Hoffmann
Other Birders: Marianne Hoffmann
13 green wing teal, 25 mallards, 4 horned lark, 9 wood ducks, 1 hooded merganser, 1 red belly woodpecker, 3 downy woodpeckers, 1 yellow belly woodpecker, 1 carolina wren, 6 song sparrows, 22 great blue herons, 4 ring billed gauls, 2 common moorhen, 1 bald eagle - 4th year, 4 goldfinch, 2 northern cardinals, 1 double crested cormorant, 4 american coots
The immature bald eagle was in a tree at the northwest end of Oxbow Lake
Date: Thursday, November 12, 2009
Location: Oxbow
Reporter: Allan Claybon
Drive through about 4PM. 1 GB Heron in lake North of Juno; nothing on Juno except 4 Mallards near the island; 1 GB Heron in Osprey Lake; approx 25 GB Herons along East shore and South end of Oxbow Lake; 1 DC Cormorant swimming in Oxbow Lake; 20+ Mallards and 4 American Coots in Jackpot; and 250-300 Killdeer in the recently harvested field South of Jackpot
Date: Saturday, November 7, 2009
Location: Oxbow
Reporter: Paul Krusling
Other Birders: Charie Saunders, Norma Krusling and eleven other participants
The weather was beautiful today at the oxbow for the field trip led by Charlie Saunders. Highlights included outstanding looks at bald eagles and horned grebes. My apologies for not remembering everyone's name.
Canada Goose 30,Wood Duck 50, American Black Duck 1, Mallard 55, Hooded Merganser 2, Pied-billed Grebe 6, Horned Grebe 2, Double-crested Cormorant 8, Great Blue Heron 25, Black Vulture 1, Turkey Vulture 4, Bald Eagle 2, Cooper's Hawk 1, Red-tailed Hawk 3, American Coot 20, Killdeer 40, Ring-billed Gull 3, Mourning Dove 4, American Crow 70, Carolina Chickadee 2, White-breasted Nuthatch 1, Carolina Wren 1, American Robin 8, European Starling 1000, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 1, Eastern Towhee 1, Northern Cardinal 4, American Goldfinch 1
Date: Sunday, October 4, 2009
Location: Shawnee Lookout; the Oxbow
Reporter: Barb Schwallie
Shawnee: 1 Tufted Titmouse, 3 Red-bellied Woodpeckers, 1 Northern Flicker
Oxbow: 12 Great Egrets, 2 Great Blue Herons, 2 Wood Ducks
Date: Sunday, October 4, 2009
Location: Shawnee Lookout & Lost Bridge
Reporter: Jay Stenger
Other Birders: Paul Wharton & 12 AS participants
After our Audubon Society bird course today we birded the Shawnee Lookout Boat Ramp from around 11:30 am until 1:00 pm. and then spent about a half-hour at Lost Bridge. As is often the case with mid-day birding, songbirds were rather scarce, but we did manage to find a few migrants. The highlight of our visit was the number of raptors that were moving along the river valley.
During our two-hour visit we saw 20+ Turkey Vultures, 6~ Osprey (3 at one time), 3 Bald Eagles (2 ad, 1 im), 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk, 4 Cooper’s Hawks, 1 Red-shouldered Hawk (this bird was actually seen in transit), 13 Red-tailed Hawks and 1 Merlin that gave us a good look right above the boat ramp parking lot.
Some of the other species we found included; Wild Turkey 4, Chimney Swifts 30+, Hairy Woodpecker 1, Northern Flicker 4, Eastern Phoebe 1, Tree Swallow 4, House Wren 1, Eastern Bluebird 2, Cedar Waxwing 6, Tennessee Warbler 1, Nashville Warbler 1, Chestnut-sided Warbler 1, Common Yellowthroat 2, Rose-breasted Grosbeak 4+, and Indigo Bunting 3.
Date: Sunday, September 27, 2009
Location: Lost Bridge
Reporter: Allan Claybon
Other Birders: Jay, Paul, & the Audubon Bird Class
Highlight was a Peregrine Falcon flyover, along with 3 immature Bald Eagles, Osprey, Red-tailed Hawk, Belted Kingfisher, DC Cormorants, Wood Duck, Killdeer, (no other SP's), Great Egret, and many Great Blue Herons.
Pictures at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nsxbirder/sets/72157622468614496/
Enjoyed running into the class that Jay and Paul brought to the bridge.
The gallery also includes a distant shot of the Snowy Egret seen later at the far South end of Oxbow Lake.
Date: Sunday, September 27, 2009
Location: Oxbow, Lawrenceburg
Reporter: Jon Seymour
Other Birders: GOW participants
The GOW participants this morning were treated to a wonderful little SNOWY EGRET hanging out with the big boys (Great Egrets) in the Smartweed flats just south of Juno Pond. It was there from 9 am to noon. Other birds were 1 Osprey, 1 Red-tailed Hawk, 1 Cooper's Hawk, 25+ Great Egret, 20+ Great Blue Heron, 5 Black-crowned Night Heron, 1 Green Heron (5 Heron species in one pond), 1 Belted Kingfisher, 30+ Double-crested Cormorant, 3 Mallard, 6 Blue-winged Teal, 4 Wood Duck, 2 Canada Goose, 3 Turkey Vulture, 50+ American Crow, 15+ Mourning Dove, 15+ Song Sparrow, 3 Indigo Bunting, 1 Brown-headed Cowbird, 40+ Red-winged Blackbird, 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker, 1 Northern Flicker, 20+ Northern Cardinal, 1 Killdeer
Date: Sunday, September 27, 2009
Location: Shawnee Lookout & Lost Bridge
Reporter: Mark Gilsdorf
Birded from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm. Found decent numbers of warblers at the boat ramp parking lot, a male Scarlet Tanager in non-breeding plumage at the cut in the tree line by the golf coarse, and large groups of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and Northern Flickers along the trail around the field by the schoolhouse. I also had Warbling and Philadelphia Vireos, Least Flycatcher and a Gray-cheeked Thrush along the same trail. There seemed to be large flocks of Blue Jays moving through as well.
A quick stop at Lost Bridge only turned up a Least Sandpiper on the large mudflats. An Osprey and 1 juvenile Bald Eagle were also perched in the trees along the banks. A large V of Double-crested Cormorants sailed past while I was there.
Trip List: Canada Goose 6, Mallard 5, Double-crested Cormorant 30, Great Blue Heron 5, Osprey 1, Bald Eagle 1, Red-tailed Hawk 1, Least Sandpiper 1, Mourning Dove 10, Chimney Swift 2, Belted Kingfisher 1, Red-bellied Woodpecker 1, Downy Woodpecker 3, Northern Flicker 18, Pileated Woodpecker 1, Least Flycatcher 1, Warbling Vireo 1, Philadelphia Vireo 1, Blue Jay 35, American Crow 20, Carolina Chickadee 6, Tufted Titmouse 4, White-breasted Nuthatch 5, House Wren 2, Gray-cheeked Thrush 1, American Robin 10, Gray Catbird 10, European Starling 30, Tennessee Warbler 1, Nashville Warbler 5, Magnolia Warbler 3, Black-throated Green Warbler 2, Blackpoll Warbler 1, American Redstart 2, Scarlet Tanager 1, Eastern Towhee 8, Field Sparrow 3, Song Sparrow 10, Northern Cardinal 8, Rose-breasted Grosbeak 14, Indigo Bunting 7, Red-winged Blackbird 5, American Goldfinch 6
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2009
Location: Lost Bridge
Reporter: Bruce Leonhardt
Other Birders: Paul Ice
The day started fairly well with 2 mature Bald Eagles. They flew south of the bridge as I spotted 4 Juvenile Bald Eagles fly to the north. Nice to see Mark at the bridge. Thanks for the views thru the scope. A couple of Ospreys were having fun before the juvi Mark spotted chased them off. I was able to get a few decent photos. They are in my Eagle & Osprey galleries.
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2009
Location: Lost Bridge
Reporter: Bruce Leonhardt
The day started with spotting an Osprey. # juvi Bald Eagle's and 1 mature Bald Eagle flew past as if they were headed towards Oxbow. The Osprey make approx. 8 tries at catching a fish before being successful. Once he stopped to eat the fish one of the juvi BE's gave the Osprey chase in an attempt to steal the catch of the day. The Osprey won with it's ability to out-turn the eagle. Also spotted were a few Pileated Woodpeckers.
Date: Sunday, September 13, 2009
Location: Shawnee Lookout, Lost Bridge, Oxbow
Reporter: Mark Gilsdorf
Other Birders: Cincinnati Bird Club field trip, 17 participants
Began the field trip at the Shawnee Lookout boat ramp, where despite the early start we ran into a pretty solid group of migrant warblers (by the end of the trip we had 10 species of warblers).
Despite great mudflats at Lost Bridge, we only turned up 1 Least Sandpiper and several Killdeer, but got good looks at an Osprey actively fishing the river and two immature Bald Eagles perched in trees, one on each side of the bridge. By the time we got to the Oxbow around 11:30 am, things had started to slow down. No sign of the American White Pelican, but did manage to turn up a juvenile Black-crowned Night-Heron. We ended the trip around 1:30 pm with a total of 61 species.
Highlights of the trip:
Shawnee Lookout: Green Heron - 1, Red-bellied Woodpecker - 6, Downy Woodpecker - 8, Hairy Woodpecker - 1, Northern Flicker - 3, Pileated Woodpecker - 4, Eastern Wood-Peewee - 4, Empidonax Flycatcher - 3, Willow Flycatcher - 1, Eastern Phoebe - 1, Great Crested Flycatcher - 1, White-eyed Vireo - 2, Blue-headed Vireo - 1, Warbling Vireo - 1, Red-eyed Vireo - 3, Swainson's Thrush - 1, Gray Catbird - 3, Brown Thrasher - 3, Tennessee Warbler - 1, Nashville Warbler - 3, Magnolia Warbler - 4, Cape May Warbler - 1, Black-throated Green Warbler - 3, Blackburnian Warbler - 3, Black-and-white Warbler - 1, American Redstart - 1, Kentucky Warbler - 1, Wilson's Warbler - 1, Scarlet Tanager - 1, Eastern Towhee - 4, Rose-breasted Grosbeak - 3
Lost Bridge: Great Blue Heron - 3, Osprey - 1, Bald Eagle - 2, Least Sandpiper - 1, Chimney Swift - 6
Oxbow: Wood Duck - 5, Double-crested Cormorant - 35, Great Blue Heron - 22, Great Egret - 8, Green Heron - 2, Black-crowned Night-Heron - 1, Coopers Hawk - 1, Red-tailed Hawk - 1, Hairy Woodpecker - 1, Barn Swallow - 1
Date: Monday, September 7, 2009
Location: Oxbow
Reporter: Mark Gilsdorf
The American White Pelican was still present today on Oxbow Lake. It was swimming around and feeding in the area near the snag that all the Cormorants hang out on.
Date: Sunday, September 6, 2009
Location: The Oxbow, Shawnee & Lost Bridge
Reporter: Jay Stenger
Other Birders: Oxbow Inc Field Trip, 11 Participants
Our Oxbow Inc. field trip somehow managed to miss Darlena’s American White Pelican in the Oxbow this morning, even though it is one of North Americas largest birds. All I can say is that it was not on Oxbow Lake between 7:30 and 9:00 this morning. That’s our story and I’m sticking with it.
Shorebird habitat is still scarce in the Oxbow, however Osprey Lake has receded somewhat and a bit of mud has become exposed. Besides Killdeer we only saw 1 Least Sandpiper there, but the site looks promising and may get better. Large sandbars are also exposed in the Great Miami River at Lost Bridge, but again, aside from many Killdeer the only shorebirds we saw there were 1 Semipalmated Plover and 1 Spotted Sandpiper. Two adult Bald Eagles were seen perched along the river at Lost Bridge and a 1st year Bald Eagle was seen in the Oxbow. An Osprey did a fly by at the bridge as well. Migrant warblers and songbirds were sparse but we did manage to find a few.
Our entire trip list follows. Most of the birds were found in the Oxbow, at Lost Bridge or around the Shawnee Lookout boat ramp between 7:30 and 11:00 am.
Canada Goose 85, Wood Duck 3, Mallard 5, Wild Turkey 4, Double-crested Cormorant 25+, Great Blue Heron 25+, Great Egret 24, Green Heron 1, Black-crowned Night-Heron 6, Turkey Vulture 4, Osprey 1, Bald Eagle 3, Red-tailed Hawk 1, American Kestrel 1, Semipalmated Plover 1, Killdeer 35~, Spotted Sandpiper 1, Least Sandpiper 1, Rock Pigeon 20+, Mourning Dove 45, Chimney Swift 3, Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1, Red-bellied Woodpecker 2, Downy Woodpecker 4, Northern Flicker 1, Eastern Wood-Pewee 4, Least Flycatcher 1, Empidonax species 2, Eastern Phoebe 1, Great Crested Flycatcher 1, White-eyed Vireo 1, Yellow-throated Vireo 1, Warbling Vireo 2, Red-eyed Vireo 5, Blue Jay 30~, American Crow 150+, Tree Swallow 2, Northern Rough-winged Swallow 3, Barn Swallow 1, Carolina Chickadee 20~, Tufted Titmouse 6, White-breasted Nuthatch 3, Carolina Wren 12, House Wren 1, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2, Swainson’s Thrush 1, American Robin 50+, Gray Catbird 1, Brown Thrasher 1, Northern Mockingbird 1, European Starling 40+, Cedar Waxwing 30+ (fly catching at Lost Bridge), Nashville Warbler 1, Magnolia Warbler 2, American Redstart 3, Common Yellowthroat 2, Summer Tanager 1, Eastern Towhee 3, Field Sparrow 3, Song Sparrow 4, Northern Cardinal 15~, Indigo Bunting 7, Red-winged Blackbird 125~, Eastern Meadowlark 1, Common Grackle 30+, Brown-headed Cowbird 20~, American Goldfinch 10+, House Sparrow 12+.
Date: Sunday, September 6, 2009
Location: Oxbow
Reporter: Darlena Graham
Among the usual birds was one standout! A lone White Pelican! It is now perched on a stump at the south end of the main lake.
Date: Saturday, September 5, 2009
Location: Shawnee Lookout, The Oxbow
Reporter: Barb Schwallie
Shawnee: 4 young Wild Turkey, 2 Downy Woodpecker, 1 Eastern Wood Pewee, 1 Great Crested Flycatcher, 1 Carolina Chickadee, 1 Common Yellowthroat, 10+ Red-Winged Blackbird
Oxbow: 2 Double-Crested Cormorant, 4 Great Blue Heron, 1 Great Egret, 1 Green Heron, 2 Black-Crowned Night-Heron, 1 Red-Tailed Hawk, 4 Killdeer
Date: Saturday, August 29, 2009
Location: Oxbow, casino entrance area
Reporter: Mike Busam
Other Birders: Ned Keller, Alan Brunner, et. al.
Ned just called to say that there is a WESTERN KINGBIRD at the Oxbow. Enter the Oxbow via the access through the casino property. The bird has been hanging around the Oxbow conservancy sign since about 10:45 a.m. It's just after 11 a.m. as I write this.
Date: Saturday, August 29, 2009
Location: Oxbow
Reporter: Debra Hausrath
Other Birders: Mary Ann Barnett, Mark Gilsdorf
Western Kingbird was still there about 1:30 PM. It had moved down the lane maybe 100 yards and was chasing down insects from the power line and from weeds in the soybean field.
Date: Sunday, August 23, 2009
Location: Shawnee and Oxbow
Reporter: Albert Scruggs
Other Birders: julie morris
Our favorite birds at Shawnee- GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER up at the "fort", Tennessee warblers and rose-breasted grosbeak at the boat ramp..other nice birds Y-B cuckoo, Y-B chat, Acadian FC, Great-crested FC, Ruby-throated hummer, Wood-thrush, 2 Hairy woodpeckers. (Yesterday saw Osprey at lost bridge).
At Oxbow today saw Solitary sp, Least sp, Semipalmated Sp, Spotted sp and 15+ great egrets, 15+ GBHerons, 3 green herons..nice weather day..just wish they sung a bit more..but its August.
Date: Sunday, August 23, 2009
Location: Elizabethtown bridge and Oxbow Area
Reporter: Neill Cade
Just a few birds to add to Ab & Julie's posting.
E-town (aka lost) bridge: Peregrine Falcon & Solitary Sandpiper @ 8:00 AM. Osprey @ 10:45 AM.
Oxbow: Blue-winged Teal, Black-crowned Night Heron, Broad-winged Hawk, and Prothonotary Warbler.
Date: Saturday, August 22, 2009
Location: Lost Bridge/Oxbow
Reporter: Kirk Westendorf
Lost Bridge: (combo of 2 stops, pre and post Oxbow):2 Bald Eagle (adults), 1 Osprey, 1 Caspian Tern, 2 Least Sandpipers, 14 Killdeer, 14 Cliff Swallow
Oxbow:1 Black Tern, 1 Osprey, 1 Solitary Sandpiper, 4 Least Sandpiper, 16 Double-crested Cormorant, 9 Great Egret
Date: Friday, August 21, 2009
Location: Fernald and Oxbow (Lawrenceburg)
Reporter: Jon Seymour
Other Birders: Mick, Jane and Jeff Acus
Fernald: 2 Red-tailed Hawk, 1 American Kestrel, 1 Piliated Woodpecker, 2 Mute Swan, 7 Mallards, 1 Wood Duck, 2 Turkey Vulture, 2 Belted Kingfisher
Oxbow: 1 Red-tailed Hawk,3 Turkey Vulture, 2 American Crow, 5 Mallard, 3 Wood Duck, 11 Great Egrets, 12 Great Blue Heron, 30 Double-crested Cormorant, 1 Caspian Tern, 3 Forester's Tern, 1 Green Heron, 1 Belted Kingfish
Date: Saturday, August 1, 2009
Location: Oxbow
Reporter: W. Travis Young
Other Birders: Don Martin, Robby Martin
Kayaking 8am - 12pm
Number of species observed is estimated: Black-Crowned Night-Heron 15, Green Heron 15, Great Blue Heron 12, Great Egret 10, Double-Crested Cormorant 35, Killdeer 10, Spotted Sandpiper 2, Solitary Sandpiper 4, Caspian Tern 2, Wood Duck 20, Mallard 2, Turkey Vulture 1, White-Breasted Nuthatch 3, Song Sparrow 4, Common Yellowthroat 5, Indigo Bunting 6, Northern Cardinal 3, House Wren 15, Carolina Chickadee 3, Tufted Titmouse 2
Date: Saturday, July 18, 2009
Location: Oxbow, Lost Bridge
Reporter: Mark Gilsdorf
Mid-afternoon trip to the Oxbow found most of the usual suspects. Coolest thing for me was seeing a snag in the far end of the lake covered with 28 Double-crested Cormorants, including 12 JUVENILES, who've managed to evade the butchers.
Ran into Kirk, who told me about the Dowitcher he saw at Lost Bridge, so I headed over there. No luck on finding the Dowitcher, but did find three Stilt Sandpipers feeding on the rocky portion of the mud flats. I checked with Kirk later, and it seems we were looking at two different sets of birds. His bird had a definite rusty brown coloration from head to toe, whereas the three I saw were much paler overall, with no orange coloration at all. Both sets were doing the "sewing machine" probing that you'd expect.
Highlights: (Oxbow) - Black-crowned Night-Heron - 3 (including 1 juvenile), Wood Duck - 5 (1 adult and 4 juveniles), Double-Crested Cormorant - 28, Great Blue Heron - 15, Great Egret - 1, Green Heron - 1
(Lost Bridge) - Stilt Sandpiper - 3, Green Heron - 2, Cliff Swallow - 12, Purple Martin - 5
Date: Saturday, July 18, 2009
Location: Lost Bridge
Reporter: Kirk Westendorf
1 Short-billed Dowitcher, 1 Green Heron (nicely colored), 12+ Cliff Swallow
The river looked good for shorebirds but the only other ones there when I was present at about noon were several Killdeer
Date: Saturday, July 18, 2009
Location: Lost Bridge
Reporter: Kirk Westendorf
1 Short-billed Dowitcher,1 Green Heron (nicely colored),12+ Cliff Swallow
The river looked good for shorebirds but the only other ones there when I was present at about noon were several Killdeer.
Date: Thursday, July 16, 2009
Location: Oxbow, Lawrenceburg, IN
Reporter: Jon Seymour
Morning in the Oxbow 27 Great Blue Heron, 16 Great Egret, 50+ Wood Duck, 2 Black Crowned Night Heron, 1 Green Heron, 1 YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERON (juv.) 3 Mallard, 15 Double-crested Cormorant,1 Turkey Vulture, 3 Killdeer, 10+ Northern Cardinal, 10+ Song Sparrow, 9 Indigo Bunting, 4 Carolina Chickadee, 5 Tufted Titmouse, 2 Common Yellowthroat, 1 Carolina Wren, 2 House Wren, 1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 3 American Goldfinch, 8 Robin, 5 Mourning Dove, 2 Common Flicker, 6 American Robin, 25+ Common Grackle, 50+ Red-winged Blackbird, and 2 Common Crow.
Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Location: Oxbow, Lawenceburg, IN
Reporter: Jon Seymour
16 Great Blue Heron, 13 Great Egret, 30 Double-crested Cormorant, 40 Wood Duck, 11 Mallard, 2 Killdeer, 1 Belted Kingfisher.
Date: Friday, July 3, 2009
Location: Oxbow
Reporter: Bruce Leonhardt
Great White Egret 4, juvenile Bald Eagle 1, Indigo Bunting 26, Gulls 2. The juvenile Bald Eagle looks to be second year. What are the chances of a second nest in Hamilton County? I say pretty good.
Date: Saturday, June 6, 2009
Location: Oxbow
Reporter: Jonathan Frodge
Other Birders: Samantha Sayre
At the Oxbow: Prothonotary Warblers!- 5+, D-C Cormorants 10+, C Goose-5, Peewee, White-eyed vireo, Warbling Vireo, Yellow Warbler, Spotted Sandpiper
Date: Sunday, June 7, 2009
Location: Shawnee Lookout floodplain
Reporter: Wayne Wauligman
Other Birders: Oxbow Hike participants
Highlights are: 7 singing Prothonotary Warblers, 1 Willow Flycatcher, 2 Yellow Warbler, 1 American Redstart (south of the ranger's station), Summer Tanager, 3 Chats (one followed our group around the River), Louisiana Waterthrush, Blue Grosbeak (both sides of the lost bridge) and msc turtles and amphibians
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2009
Location: Oxbow 4:00pm
Reporter: Bruce Leonhardt
Other Birders: Michele Leonhardt, Teresa Jack, Linda
Viewed the upper end of Jackpot pond from the entrance/exit of Argosy. Spotted and photographed 3 Great White Egrets. If you wish to view my photos my e-mail is in the directory, I will send the link to my gallery.
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2009
Location: MWF and Wetlands, Oxbow
Reporter: Daniel Schoeff
Miami Whitewater Forest along the loop and up to the wetlands -- Orchard(2) and Baltimore Orioles, Indigo Bunting, B Thrasher (3), RW Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Tree Swallow, E Meadowlark, Field and Song Sparrows, Yellow Warbler, Yellowthroat, Nashville Warbler, RT Hummingbird, and the rest of the regulars. Parcours and along the creek below the pond -- Cerulean(4) and Canada Warbler (1), GC Flycatcher (3), Louisiana Waterthrush (3), more Buntings and B Orioles. Cerulean and Canada Warblers were new for me!
Oxbow -- before the rain started again, saw a couple Cormorants, GBH, Coots, and one Spotted Sandpiper.
Date: Sunday, April 26, 2009
Location: Oxbow, Shawnee Lookout, Lost Bridge
Reporter: Mark Gilsdorf
Other Birders: Jay Stenger
Jay and I decided to kick around a bit after the bird club field trip.
Highlight were - Oxbow: 3 Caspian Terns mixed in with a group of about 20 Ring-billed Gulls out in the sky pool that has formed behind Oxbow Lake, 1 Juvenile Bald Eagle, 50 Double-crested Cormorants, 6 Blue-winged Teal and an Indigo Bunting
Mt. Nebo Gravel Pits: 1 Blue Grosbeak along the hedge row on top of the pits
Date: Monday, April 20, 2009
Location: Oxbow, Kilby Ponds, MWW
Reporter: Steve Bobonick
Other Birders: Owen Watson
Owen has returned until May 8, following his Easter Holiday back home. This evening we started at the Oxbow with Terns in mind and found (3) Caspians (Owen Lifer) plus Black-bellied Plover (new for the U.S.). Also present were an immature Bald Eagle, Osprey, Prothonotary Warbler, Pectoral Sandpipers, Lesser Yellowlegs, and Eastern Kingbird.
Date: Saturday, April 18, 2009
Location: Shawnee Lookout & OH/IN stateline
Reporter: Jay Stenger
Other Birders: Mark Gilsdorf
From Spring Grove Cemetery Mark and I drove out to Shawnee Lookout. Cliff Swallows have returned to Lost Bridge were at least 15 were seen actively foraging. We also observed a considerable movement of 600~ Double-crested Cormorants. We counted 250+ on the gravel pit west of Lost Bridge, while another 350~ were seen in the air in several V formations just up river. Northern Parulas and Yellow-throated Warblers have returned in force.
Some of the species found in the Shawnee Lookout area included Double-crested Cormorant 600+, Great Blue Heron 4, Peregrine Falcon 1 (stooped on and missed a starling right in front of our car), Ring-billed Gull 18, Cliff Swallow, Barn Swallow 1, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 15+, Northern Parula 13, Yellow-throated Warbler 12,Yellow-rumped Warbler 5, Eastern Towhee 25~, White-crowned Sparrow 1, and Purple Finch 1.
Date: Saturday, April 18, 2009
Location: Oxbow
Reporter: Darlena Graham
Other Birders: Oxbow field trip members
No doubt the best day I have ever had at the Oxbow!! My first as leader with Eagles - at least 3, possibly more, sharing/not sharing a huge carp. My first at the Oxbow of Ruddy Duck and Common Loon. Both of them so handsome - I fell in love.
The list: C. Loon, Pied-billed Grebe, Gr.Blue Heron, Black-crowned Heron, T V, Canada Geese, Wood Ducks, Am. Wigeon, Black Ducks, Mallards, Blue-winged Teal, Ruddy Duck, Osprey, Bald Eagles, Turkey, Am. Coots, Greater Yellowlegs, Ringed-bill Gulls, Mourning Doves, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Downy Woodpecker, No. Flickers, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, E. Phoebe, E. Kingbird, Kingfisher, Warbling Vireos, Blue Jays, Crows, Horned Larks, Tree Swallows, Rough-winged Swallows, Chickadees, Tufted Titmouse, Wh-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, Bl-Gray Gnatcatcher, Robin, Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, Starlings, Cedar Waxwings, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Palm Warblers, Prothonotary Warbler, Field Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow (1 incredibly handsome bird), Song Sparrows, Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbirds, C. Grackle, Brown-headed Blackbird, Am. Goldfinch. What a great morning!!
Date: Friday, April 10, 2009
Location: Oxbow
Reporter: Ruhikant Meetei
Stopped by Oxbow just before the rain at about 3:55 pm and found some Caspian Terns in addition to the usual suspects. I initially thought that they were gulls.
Some pictures at my Gallery: http://ruhikant.smugmug.com/gallery/7862832_hpHdq/1/509674967_dpqHG#509674967_dpqHG
Date: Thursday, April 9, 2009
Location: Oxbow Lake
Reporter: Joe Kappa
Made quick drive through and saw 1 imm Bald Eagle perched on the ground between the 2nd and 3rd lakes. Many Coots & RB Gulls, over 100 DC Cormorants. Also noticed three dead DC Cormorants all within 100 feet of each other in the field near the first turn-off out to Argosy. One was nearly completely eaten by scavengers, the other two didn't seem to have a mark on them (pretty strange).
Date: Sunday, April 5, 2009
Location: Oxbow
Reporter: Bruce Leonhardt
Other Birders: Paul Ice
3 Bald Eagles at the north end of Jackpot Pond. I was able to photograph 1 fishing from the pond. An awesome experience. 1 Osprey fishing in Oxbow lake. We did notice a few wood duck. We were watching for the raptors today.
Date: Saturday, April 4, 2009
Location: Oxbow
Reporter: Steve Bobonick
Other Birders: Owen Watson
Our final stop was the Oxbow. We once again dipped on any tern species but picked up Vesper Sparrow (Owen lifer) and a second Osprey for the day. Also present were (4)Lesser Yellowlegs and about (20) Blue-winged Teal.
Date: Friday, March 27, 2009
Location: Oxbow, Lawrenceburg, IN
Reporter: Jon Seymour
Other Birders: Marcia McClean's Thomas Moore Class
Saw a few birds with the class and after they left for home things picked up a bit. Only listing the larger birds today.
Trip List: Canada Goose 13, Wood Duck 6, Gadwall 2, American Black Duck 1, Mallard 5, Blue-winged Teal 11, Northern Shoveler 110, Double-crested Cormorant 47, Great Blue Heron 2, Turkey Vulture 4, American Coot 140, Killdeer 1
Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Location: Oxbow, Lawrenceburg, IN
Reporter: Jon Seymour
Had a nice slow drive through the Oxbow. The main road was OK but the coming rains will probably mess it up a bit.
Trip List: Canada Goose 14, Gadwall 20, American Wigeon 1, Mallard 5, Blue-winged Teal 7, Northern Shoveler 85, Ring-necked Duck 9, Bufflehead 4, Pied-billed Grebe 1, Great Blue Heron 1, Turkey Vulture 3, Red-tailed Hawk 1, American Coot 105, Killdeer 1, Mourning Dove 2, Northern Flicker 1, American Crow 11, American Robin 1, European Starling 150, Field Sparrow 1, Song Sparrow 13, Northern Cardinal 4, Red-winged Blackbird 3, Common Grackle 2
Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Location: Oxbow
Reporter: Daniel Schoeff
A birthday walk at the Oxbow on Wednesday yielded a wonderful morning. 1 Ruddy Duck, 2 Blue-winged Teal, 100 American Coot, 200 N Shoveler, 1 GC Kinglet, 1 Fox Sparrow, 5 Yellow-Rumped Warbler, 3 N Flickers
Date: Sunday, March 15, 2009
Location: Oxbow
Reporter: Patrick Cassedy
Other Birders: Kay Cassedy
Several Northern Shovelers along with some Coots at the Oxbow Lake
Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Location: The Oxbow
Reporter: Jay Stenger
Other Birders: Jack Stenger
Some species we saw at the Oxbow (almost all on Oxbow Lake) included: Canada Goose 30~, Mallard 15~, Wood Duck 2, Gadwall 20, American Wigeon 23, American Black Duck 6, Northern Shoveler 25, Northern Pintail 2, Green-winged Teal 7, Redhead 4, Ring-necked Duck 97, Lesser Scaup 12, Bufflehead 4, Ruddy Duck 2, Horned Grebe 1, Double-crested Cormorant 3, Great Blue Heron 1, Black Vulture 12, Turkey Vulture 18, Bald Eagle 2 (1 ad, 1 1st yr), Red-tailed Hawk 2, Ring-billed Gull 13, Horned Lark 3+, American Tree Sparrow 4, and a large number of 85~ Song Sparrows worth mentioning.
Date: Saturday, March 7, 2009
Location: Oxbow, Lawrenceburg, IN
Reporter: Jon Seymour
Other Birders: Several
250 Ring-necked Duck, 140 Mallard, 110 Pintail, 45 Redhead, 2 Northern Shoveler, 15 American Widgeon, 12 Canada Goose, 4 Mute Swan, 2 Gadwall, 1 Immature Bald Eagle, 1 Great Blue Heron, 55 Ring-billed Gull, 25 American Crow, 3 Turkey Vulture, 1 Carolina Wren, 4 Carolina Chickadee, 5 American Tree Sparrow, 2 Song Sparrow, 1 Mourning Dove, 25 Red-winged Blackbird, and 6 Northern Cardinal. Very breezy day with lots of folks trying to find eagles. You had to be lucky today to see one. Allan Claybon and I sat around the overlook for an hour or more with no luck. When I left I was almost out when I noticed the immature rising over the south field. It circled for about 3 minutes before heading for the Ohio River
Date: Sunday, March 1, 2009
Location: Oxbow
Reporter: Susan Williams
To add to Rick's above post, I was at the Oxbow (at the back of the main lake) at around 2 pm. I counted at least SEVEN juvenile BALD EAGLES and at least THREE adults across the lake from the overlook. A very large flock (100+) of unknown gulls and approx. 30 crows were very interested in what the eagles were eating. As I was watching (and talking to myself in wonderment), two northern pintails landed in the lake. A good day at the Oxbow.
Date: Friday, March 6, 2009
Location: Oxbow Preserve
Reporter: Rick Hartigan
At 11:00 A.M. I was on my way to see Jon Seymour (president of Oxbow) and decided to drive through the "mud" as I was early. I observed a juvenile bald eagle very low to the ground and at less than 100 yds as it circled and drifted near Jackpot Pond. At the same time, off to the east I could see two adults involved with a group of what I think were gulls in aerial display. It was quite a sight. I didn't really expect to see them, tho that's why I went through the Oxbow. On my way home around 1:30 P.M., I observed all three sitting in a tree in the same area where I saw the adults earlier. The entire area was extremely busy at 11:00 A.M. and I couldn't begin to tell you how many different birds were there. LOTS. I was very excited to see the eagles.
Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Location: Oxbow
Reporter: James Lundberg
Other Birders: Gary Stegner at Fernald
Oxbow: Young Young Bald Eagle too far to ID year/age across beanfield east of the oxbow. 2oo Ring-billed Gulls in beanfield same area. Wide open areas in the water, melting fast, but only Canada Geese found.
Date: Sunday, February 22, 2009
Location: Oxbow region
Reporter: Paul Wharton
Other Birders: 16 Oxbow Field Trip participants
A rather large group of birders and outdoor enthusiasts braved the cold and wind of the Oxbow this morning. The windy conditions kept the expected waterfowl numbers down, at least in the areas we went. Having scouted the area heavily the previous day, I know they were out there somewhere, but we didn't see big numbers today. We did however see at least 4 Bald eagles, 8 Mute swans, 200 Canada geese, 12 Amer. Black ducks, 20 Mallards, 12 Pintail, 2 Hooded mergansers, 2 Red-tailed hawks, 12 Coots, 1 Golden-crowned kinglet, 1 Yellow-rumped warbler, and 2 White-crowned sparrows, plus a few other expected songbirds. The wind was rough, but it is always nice to get good looks at eagles. The big question is "where is the Bald eagle nest near the Oxbow?" I am 90% certain there is a nest within a mile of there. It is just going to take some effort to find it.
Date: Saturday, February 21, 2009
Location: Lost Bridge
Reporter: Shannon Hughes
1 Bald Eagle and many Mallards and Canada Geese
Date: Saturday, February 14, 2009
Location: Green Tee Driving Range, Lost Bridge & Oxbow
Reporter: Joe Kappa
Other Birders: Paul Krusling
Highlights: 6 Mute Swans at Lost Bridge. XX (early) Blue-Wing Teal at Oxbow (field on far side of Jackpot Pond mixed in with Canadian Geese and Mallards)
Date: Thursday, February 12, 2009
Location: Intersection of Lawrenceburg Rd. and Miamiview Rd. (Lost Bridge)
Reporter: Richard Stewart
Bald Eagles. Pair. Appear to be close pattern flying and collecting material for nest building. Molting with large patches of white appearing dominant now on the crown and tail. Early this year (before I joined) I had spotted the same pair fighting over a snake as they flew over my lower gardens.
Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Location: Oxbow/Lost Bridge
Reporter: Paul Krusling
I thought the weather today may have driven in some interesting birds so I briefly stopped by the Lost Bridge. I found the following:
Canada Goose 2000, Mute Swan 5, Gadwall 5, American Wigeon 30, American Black Duck 25, Mallard 1000, Northern Pintail 20, Green-winged Teal 12, Wild Turkey 12, Great Blue Heron 1, Turkey Vulture 4, Bald Eagle 1, Red-tailed Hawk 1, Ring-billed Gull 30, Rock Pigeon 20, Mourning Dove 12, American Crow 25, European Starling 200. Most of the birds were seen from the access road over the railroad tracks about a quarter mile South of Lawrenceburg Road off US 50. The Turkeys were seen next to the new and mostly empty strip center a little farther West of US 50. The Bald Eagle and the Mute Swans were seen from I 275 in the barrow pit North of the entrance ramp. It took a couple of passes before I was able to ID the swans.
Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Location: Intersection of Lawrenceburg Rd. and Miamiview Rd.
Reporter: Richard Stewart
Bald Eagles. Pair. Appear to be close pattern flying and collecting material for nest building. Molting with large patches of white appearing dominant now on the crown and tail. Early this year (before I joined) I had spotted the same pair fighting over a snake as they flew over my lower gardens.
Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Location: 10251 Miamiview Rd.
Reporter: Richard Stewart
Canada Geese and a variety of ducks. Massive migratory movement into and out of the Oxbow area. Was working on our farm and witnessed over a period of four or five hours thousands of Canada Geese and a variety of ducks exiting the fields, west of Lost Bridge and Lawrenceburg Rd., flying along the Miami River North East and then turning north at the confluence of the Whitewater River and Miami River. Took several videos one of which can be seen on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n90pr8S_xQY This event was repeated over three days, possibly even five (I was gone over the weekend leading up to this).
Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Location: Oxbow/Lost Bridge
Reporter: Paul Krusling
I thought the weather today may have driven in some interesting birds so I briefly stopped by the Lost Bridge. I found the following: Canada Goose 2000, Mute Swan 5, Gadwall 5, American Wigeon 30, American Black Duck 25, Mallard 1000, Northern Pintail 20, Green-winged Teal 12, Wild Turkey 12, Great Blue Heron 1, Turkey Vulture 4, Bald Eagle 1, Red-tailed Hawk 1, Ring-billed Gull 30, Rock Pigeon 20, Mourning Dove 12, American Crow 25, European Starling 200'. Most of the birds were seen from the access road over the railroad tracks about a quarter mile South of Lawrenceburg Road off US 50. The Turkeys were seen next to the new and mostly empty strip center a little farther West of US 50. The Bald Eagle and the Mute Swans were seen from I 275 in the barrow pit North of the entrance ramp. It took a couple of passes before I was able to ID the swans.
Date: Saturday, January 31, 2009
Location: Lost Bridge, Lawrenceburg Road
Reporter: Bruce Leonhardt
Other Birders: Paul Ice
Spotted an Immature Bald Eagle showing Paul and I his best flight display. Found a second Immature Bald Eagle in the top of a tree next to the north barn near Lawrenceburg and Suspension Bridge Roads. A Rough-Legged Hawk was found in the top of a tree near the south barn. Both barns are across from the gravel pit.
Check out photos #130-136 http://leonhardt.smugmug.com/gallery/5066270_z4xZ9/1/465260998_ZPtCc
Date: Saturday, January 24, 2009
Location: Greater Oxbow Area
Reporter: David Tubessing
I used to be a member and thought I would pass along this sighting. Today I saw a Bald Eagle just off of 275 on the right side just before the Lawrenceberg exit. I thought it was a vulture soaring from a distance then as I got closer it turned to show off a great white head and tail feathers! It was very exciting!
Date: Saturday, January 24, 2009
Location: Lost Bridge
Reporter: Allan Claybon
Other Birders: Bruce Leonhardt, Paul Ice
12:30 PM. 2 American Bald Eagles, Great Blue Heron, and 100's of Canada Geese and Ducks....until the Eagles chased them. Eagles moved from very close to the Bridge to the mouth of the river to the North. Strange to see that a few ducks passed within 10-20 feet of the Eagles standing in the middle of the river, after the Eagles chased the majority from the river.
pictures at http://www.pbase.com/nsxbirder/lost_bridge
Date: Friday, January 23, 2009
Location: Oxbow, Lawrenceburg, IN
Reporter: Jon Seymour
Oxbow still mostly frozen. A brief step up on the levee to see the newly installed bicycle path sign, revealed a Red-tailed Hawk, 3 Great Blue Heron, and 1 Belted Kingfisher.
Date: Monday, January 5, 2009
Location: Oxbow, Lawrenceburg, IN
Reporter: Jon Seymour
Slow in the Oxbow when I visited this afternoon. However, I wanted to report the 34 Great Blue Heron I counted. Very large number for this time of year.
Date: Thursday, January 1, 2009
Location: Shawnee Lookout, Hamilton Co., OH
Reporter: Neill Cade
At the Elizabethtown bridge, there were 5 Lesser Scaup and 1 Ruddy Duck among the dabblers in the gravel pit. 5 Sandhill Cranes were distant flyovers to the north. At the boat ramp, large numbers of American Tree, Field, Song, Swamp, White-throated, and White-crowned Sparrows occupied the field edges on the north side of the parking lot. They were strafed once or twice by a pale immature Cooper's Hawk. This area was also briefly visited by a flock of 16+ Rusty Blackbirds.
Date: Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Location: Oxbow, Lawrenceburg, IN
Reporter: Jon Seymour
Stopped at the Oxbow twice about 4pm and again at 5:30pm. The drive to the overlook was clear. Viewing was distant as the backside of the Oxbow was mostly underwater. Interesting viewing though. The flooded fields adjacent to I-275 held about 1000 ducks. I could see several Northern Pintails and Mallards, in the mix were also Black Duck, Gadwall and Green-winged Teal. These were the only ones I could make a positive ID on due to the distance, the crowding of the ducks and the heat waves. Behind the ducks a Red-tailed Hawk was tearing apart a carcass of a Canada Goose on the shore of the I-275 embankment. A flight of 9 Common Mergansers went overhead. About 25 Ring-billed Gulls were circling the area and 6 Great Blue Heron were winter fishing. At dusk the pool formed in our seasonal impoundment area contained 250 Canada Geese and an additional 500 ducks. Looking into the setting sun did not allow a positive ID. Mallards were heard calling from the area. More and more flights of ducks and Geese assembled as darkness fell.