Along the Northwest Ridge at Emiquon

Last week I explored the ridge that runs along the northwest edge of the Emiquon Preserve. From there I had a wonderful view of the entire property, including the Field Office. I found many birds on my walk along the ridge. Bluebirds and Tree Swallows were squabling for the nest boxes along the main path. A Northern Harrier skirted along the fields in the valley and then road the air currents up over the bluff. A Red-tailed Hawk took off from his perch in a tall tree high up on the bluff and soared down over the back edge of the bluff. Field Sparrows were marking their territory every 20 feet or so, singing their beautiful song. I have heard that song all my life and thought it was a Cardinal until I saw one singing 20 feet in front of me in a Black Locust seedling, newly planted along the bluff. I encountered wonderful panoramic views of the Emiquon valley from several vantage points. And on my way back I heard a song I had never been able to place with its singer and found the Brown Thrasher singing away at the top of the tallest tree on the high bluff.