On Saturday, March 28, 2026, Iowa Young Birders took a field trip to the Pioneer Ridge Nature Area, located about 15 minutes south of Ottumwa along Hwy. 63. The group met at the nature center and after introductions, headed out along the paved trail towards the shallow study pond. There, they spotted Red-winged Blackbirds, Common Grackles, and a foraging Muskrat.

Continuing along the paved trail, we found Eastern Phoebes and Chipping Sparrows. Both of these species are early spring migrants and bring the promise of warmer weather. Merlin Bird ID also picked up the calls of a Pine Warbler, but the group was unable to get a clear view of the suspected bird in the Eastern Red Cedars.

We then hopped in the car and moved down the park road to the end of the lane. There, in a small vernal pool, the group relocated a Sora that had been found earlier in the morning by Associate Director, Austin Roe. This was the first time seeing this species for most of the group. As the typically reclusive bird foraged along the shore of the pool, the group captured images through their binoculars. 

Wapello County Naturalist, Sara Runyan, suggested that the group follow the loop around a prairie patch to look for a few more species before the end of our morning. Along the trail, we heard Eastern Towhee males singing and spotted our first of the year Ruby-crowned Kinglet!

We ended our morning with a total of 39 species seen. Many early migrants had returned and we expect to continue finding more as the season continues. Look for more spring field trips on our events page to join our search for migrants as they arrive.

Find our complete species lists below:

https://ebird.org/checklist/S313941071

https://ebird.org/checklist/S313971522