Leopold’s Preserve – 21 April, 2026
What a morning it was! Under a patchwork of scattered clouds and with that perfect April warmth settling into the low seventies, a wonderful group of fellow birders set out to explore the preserve, and the birds did not disappoint. From the moment we stepped into the meadow, the air was alive with movement. Tree Swallows sliced through the cool morning air in breathtaking arcs around the towering gourd rack, their iridescent backs catching every glint of light. A short while later, a secretive Sora, hidden deep within the rustling reeds at the water’s edge, called back to us in that wild, whinnying laugh. A ghost of the marsh, heard but never seen. Meanwhile, a Northern Mockingbird poured its heart out from the treeline in a glorious, ever-shifting song, and a pair of stunning Eastern Bluebirds perched regally atop their nest box, watching us pass with those calm, jewel-bright eyes.
Moving along toward the far end of the marsh, the wetland opened up with a nice surprise. Four Northern Shovelers swept their distinctive bills through the shallows alongside two elegant Gadwalls, all of them seemingly unbothered by our admiration. The meadow and brushy edges buzzed with the emphatic witchety-witchety of Common Yellowthroats, and then one boldly hopped up to a prominent perch and showed himself off in full view. Crossing the road into the forest side of the preserve, a few Green Herons burst over the canopy, sweeping just above the treetops and drawing every eye skyward before quickly turning around and leaving in a hurry.
And then, oh, and then, the sky became the stage. A Cooper’s Hawk carved lazy circles overhead, commanding our attention, but nothing could have prepared us for what followed. A Broad-winged Hawk materialized above us, gliding with effortless grace, offering a long, generous look that had everyone grinning ear to ear. Minutes later, as if the universe wanted to truly spoil us, a kettle of five more Broad-wingeds spiraled together on a thermal column, riding the invisible highways of warm air northward on their ancient migration route. For several members of our group, this was a life bird, that magical first-ever sighting that every birder treasures forever. You could see it on their faces: that quiet, electric wonder that reminds us exactly why we lace up our boots and head out into the world with binoculars in hand. Days like this are why we do it.
https://ebird.org/checklist/S323686570
