On a recent visit to my home town in northern Indiana, I was struck by how much land is taken up by corn and soybeans. Mile after mile along the highways, it seems that these two crops are all you see, broken up by the occasional small woodlot or wind break. But there are a few little areas of replanted prairie and woodland edge. One such site is the Judy Burton Nature Preserve. Despite the high heat and humidity, my mid-morning visit provided a nice assortment of birds that I don’t get to see on the left coast.
Gray Catbirds were common and noisy, but didn’t want to sit out in the open long for photos.
Field Sparrow. Note the plain face and the pink bill. Their loud bouncing song identifies them even if you don’t get a good look.
Common Yellowthroats and House Wrens are both found in Oregon, too, but it is always a pleasure to see them.
Ethical Birder 