Trip Report: Orland Grasslands 2018 May 6

On Sunday, May 6, about a dozen birders joined the COS trip to Orland Grasslands. Site steward Pat Hayes provided an orientation to the invasive Bradford Pear, a decorative tree that the stewards constantly have to battle and remove to keep it from overtaking native prairie plantings. Mike McNamee, also a steward, led us in a walk through prime sparrow habitat where we saw and could study singing Henslow's and Grasshopper Sparrows, as well as a number of more common species, like Field, Song, Savanna and Lincoln's Sparrow. A good number of Eastern Meadowlarks entertained us as well. At Orland Grasslands South, part of the group continued to on a walk to an area that held shorebirds and Grasshopper and Lark Sparrows. 

Orland Grasslands was supported and well loved by Wes Serafin, long time excellent birder and COS member, who died in 2017. A memorial walk was held for him on June 16.

~ Jill Niland

eBird lists:

Orland Grassland:    https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S45401515

Orland Grassland South:  https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S45401515