The Secret Sora Society

Yellow Warbler at Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge

I've been confusing a lot of people when they ask what I'm doing for field work this spring/summer. Conducting surveys for secretive marsh birds along the Upper Mississippi just doesn't roll off the tongue for everyone. However, to a select group of humans... It makes total sense. If you are one of those people, welcome to the Secret Sora Society. 

During the last two weeks of April, I followed Ava Cross-Weisbeck along as we scouted each of her research sites. These included both historical as well as new points she has chosen based on suitable habitat in satellite imagery and on the ground investigation. The first week allowed me to get my feet wet and learn the ropes. Ava has birded and visited these sites previously, with the wildlife refuge manager Dr. Steven Winter guiding.

The second week of scouting was shorter lived. A potentially historic tornado outbreak was slated to occur directly in the study area. We redirected and worked at the school to be safe.  Our first day back in the field brought the arrival of many new bird species that weren't present just four days before nor sixty miles North. Species included Yellow Warblers, Baltimore Orioles, and Gray Catbirds.

Our first day of field work it rained. On May 1, we heard many House Wrens, Red-winged Blackbirds, and Song Sparrows. Male American Goldfinches so bright yellow like leaves on the ground. Friends of the marsh. 

Naturally, the check engine light has to come on in the truck and the dog has to take a trip to the emergency vet. It just goes to show how far empathy and compassion from a field supervisor can go during field excursions. It's important to 'take the phone call' is a phrase I've started hearing from mentors who value mental health in the avian conservation world. The truck and the dog are all good, though! Let's get these birds!