Field Notes: Shorebirds and Few Fluddles

Hudsonian Godwit. Photo by Rob Kanter.

By aerin tedesco, CCAS Field Trip Chair

While April showers don’t seem to be a thing right now, dry conditions are not stopping lots of early migrants from heading our way. Although fluddles* are not popping up everywhere lately, a few large ones near Tolono have yielded some usual shorebirds like Pectoral Sandipiper and American Golden-plover, as well as some notable ones. Two Dunlin were spotted and a beautiful Hudsonian Godwit also used this excellent habitat! (“Fluddle” is a portmanteau of “flood” and “puddle” used to describe a flooded area in a field used by shorebirds, waterfowl, waders, and other species.)

Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Brown Thrashers, and Eastern Towhees are calling, singing, and darting around in the trees and brush. Yellow-throated Warblers and Northern Parulas are popping up in trees with their cousins the Yellow-rumped Warblers. And Barn, Tree, and Cliff Swallows are darting around in the sky with their Purple Martin kin.

To kick off migration, CCAS will host a walk at one of the best birding spots in Champaign County: Middle Fork River Forest Preserve. Join us on Saturday, April 25, for an unforgettable deep dive into the diverse habitats of local preserve. You can sign up (limited to 10 participants) here: https://forms.gle/ANsHpNZBzJ96nveE7.

We will also be leading a bird walk on Thursday, April 30, at Perkins Road Marsh in Urbana. This site is not currently open to the public so don’t miss your chance to check it out! Limited to 15 spots so sign up here: https://forms.gle/iMs7PW6rWCqqD8Nv9.