Trip Report for Ollie’s Pond Walkabout

The 2018 New Year Day walkabout at Ollie’s Pond was well attended with 40 Participants.  We spilt into 2 groups, with Ron Mills and I each taking a group.  The Common Gallinules were busy that morning and a few Palm and Yellow-rumped Warblers hugged the shore line with a cluster of Blue-gray Gnatcatchers. We encountered a large flock of Pine Warblers with a Yellow-throated Warbler mixed in. There were many Black-bellied Whistling-ducks to be seen. Ring-neck, Lesser Scaup, Mottled Ducks and Blue-winged Teal were also seen on the pond.

The surprise bird of the morning was a Sora that hadn’t been seen for a couple years at Ollie’s. The Purple Gallinules were elusive, and both groups got to see them. Some people saw a Great-horned Owl and a Wilson Snipe.

Thanks to everyone who came, and those who helped with finding birds, and for making an enjoyable walk on the first day of the New Year.

Dave Lancaster