Saturday was the annual bird count, which I've been doing for a few years now.  I met my new partner, LuBeth Young in Quincy, and we drove down to our coverage area, southwestern Adams County.  We began by walking in to the Fall Creek rest area.  Things are kind of overgrown there, as it is no longer maintained.  We saw some cool birds there.

From Spring 2011

There were about three gray catbirds hanging about in the underbrush, but this one came out into the open to sing.

From Spring 2011

Northern rough-winged swallows were all over near the old stone arch bridge.

We drove around for most of the rest of the morning,  I believe it was the variety of habitats that allowed us to accumulate so many species (46) during the day.

From Spring 2011

The wood thrush was, of course, in the woods.  I took this photo through the sunroof of Beth's car.  We saw some waterfowl in the ditches down by the river.  In the farmland I was able to photograph a number of species that have seldom provided the opportunity before.

From Spring 2011

This dickcissel was right next to the road, singing his heart out.

From Spring 2011

A meadowlark looking at us curiously.

From Spring 2011

I've never gotten a decent image of a horned lark before. Too bad, this appears to be a juvenile.  The adults are more colorful.


Afterward, we had lunch at Sydne's on 12th Street in Quincy.  I highly recommend it!