Yesterday we arrived in Moline, Illinois for our very first Midwest Birding Symposium! Our first field trips began early Friday morning, and The Birdfreak Team split up.
Dakota and his Grandparents searched for waterfowl and migratory warblers on the Mississippi River on a pontoon boat. They found many species…94 to be exact, lead by Kelly McKay, an accomplished wildlife biologist of over 20 years.
With Kelly McKay’s help, Dakota saw three life birds, an Orange-crowned Warbler, a Canada Warbler and a Kentucky Warbler.
Some other highlights included two Pileated Woodpeckers, a Wood Thrush, Louisiana Waterthrushes, American White Pelicans, Great Blue and Green Herons, and Great Egrets. Dakota was also able to practice using his uncle’s camera…
Dakota shot his first Pileated Woodpeckers!
This Green Heron thought no one could see him.
The mosquitoes weren’t bad for the most part and no one got “pontoon sick” so a birding field trip success!
Coming up next…..Birdfreak and Veery visit Maquoketa Caves on their field trip and Dakota meets a celebrity birder!
He did awesome with the camera and glad he got those lifers! I can’t wait to see what you guys got on your trip!