Creeper on the Conifer and Shadow Lake

James Ed. Ducey

Using the world's best transportation, a brisk March morning meant a diversity of wild birds at a most historic birding place along the Missouri River valley.

First heard were two Red-breasted Nuthatches in the neighborhood north of the memorial park. Once a couple of streets, including the Underwood avenue, were crossed, a chill morning with warming sun was the scene. Several species were about, including a Red-tailed Hawk that spends time along the Happy Hollow creek on the east side, and another creek's corridor on the west side.

An ambling route went among the bunches of conifers, where the creeper was along a fine route for birdly activity. After the Dodge street, beyond the troubling sounding stones for sailing vessels, was heard a most unusual call. Who, who, who cooks for you? Then again this was seemingly asked from a perfectly Barred Owl, first of the morning. It's voice was added with the White-breasted Nuthatch and effervescent Red-bellied Woodpecker at Elmwood Park.

Wood Creek had a simple flow, and easy to jump along the way. There was some slight ice and air bubble action. Sun streams were bright under an azurian sky.

The vibrant scene meant further walking about, over and into the hollow of Shadow Lake. A feathered mite was seen ... first in a glimpsed dash away from the nightly haven and onto a tree stump. Then the Winter Wren was further about about the downfall under the pedestrian bridge.

Further west as the water flows, near the spring grotto was a small bunch of Cedar Waxwing, with several robins were scratching among the leaves and enjoy a fresh water drink. A Mourning Dove appreciated a cleansing interlude from a rock in the creek.

Dark-eyed Junco were generally about along the route.

Other species of appreciation included the American Goldfinch and Downy Woodpecker. There was also a Chipping Sparrow, memorable in song at the park of the similar theme.