Sunday Summary: July 16 - July 22, 2018

This week I was able to make a short three day trip to Iowa and hit some of my favorite birding spots. during these three days, I added 13 species to my Mahaska County list, 22 species to my Keokuk County list, and I got my first Wapello County list, with 15 species. The two species that I was most excited too add during this trip were the American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) and the Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas). My totals for these counties are now, respectively, 63, 24 and 15.

After returning to Kansas, I took a trip to Fancy Creek State Park where I was able to add three species to my Rile County list. The Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus), American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) and the Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia). These new species bring my Riley County total to 79 species.

My picture of the week this week is of a group of Turkey Vultures (Cathartes aura), or a wake, perched in a tree at Fancy Creek State Park.

A group of perched Turkey Vultures (Cathartes aura) is called a wake.

I had a total of 64 species observed this week, with the most observed species being the Turkey Vulture. Although I only saw Turkey Vultures on three days, I saw a total of 37 individuals.

My highlight of the week was spotting a Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) at Fancy Creek State Park. I am told that there are currently no breeding records of this species in Riley County, Kansas, making it very exciting for me to spot one at this time of year.

I would love to hear from you, so please leave a comment or question about some of your highlights or rare birds in your area.