Highthawks on Carden.

[Ron Luft]

Had the opportunity to visit the Carden Alvar area a few times last week and though we didn't see any Loggerheads we saw most of the usual suspects. The most noteworthy 'event' was dusk on Friday ( Aug.20).  We were treated to a mass flight of Nighthawks. The sky was filled with 100's (probably 1000's) of them cavorting and flipping through the skies in no particular direction. From the observation blind on Wylie Rd. we watched for some time and were just astounded by the numbers. It was difficult to look anywhere or at anything without having an NH in your view.

[Moira]

Ron,
I've only been to Carden in May/June.  What's it like this time of year?  Are the snipes, upland sandpipers, bluebirds, etc. still there?

[Tyler]

Moira

Upland Sandpipers leave Carden quickly once the young can fly. Most are gone before september 1

Snipe, Bluebirds, mimids, and sparrows take their time leaving and most are still around till late september. I have seen Bluebirds there in November.

this time of the year there are alot of birds but not vocalizing.

[Ron Luft]

Though only Aug. I saw no Uplands and blanked in Shrikes. In general avoid the heat of the day; early mornings and dusk are okay. Definitely not as much stuff around and harder to find. There are a lot of first year birds that add to the confusion. In general there is a lower level of activity but always a pleasure to be in that area.

[Moira]

Thanks Tyler and Ron.  I love Carden - I think I went 6 times in May/June.