Dave Pierce had seen Henslow's Sparrows on previous outings along the Prairie Trail in the Shaw Nature Reserve, and one of his St. Louis birding pals had seen this species in the same location a few days ago. Dave and I arrived mid-morning, and started off on trails closer to the entrance. It was bright, sunny, and hot, and the heavy thunderstorms from the previous afternoon must have been light there, as the trails were only slightly damp. We stopped at a small pond where we heard an Eastern Wood-Pewee, and saw a flycatcher perched, but not singing. This one looked more like a Willow Flycatcher, but could have been a Pewee, although its eye-ring seems a bit too bold, and I didn't see any dark smudges in its vent area.
Willow Flycatcher or Eastern Wood-Pewee
An adult Red-shouldered Hawk was perched nearby, and didn't seem to mind our being there.
Red-shouldered Hawk
Red-shouldered Hawk
Red-shouldered Hawk
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Immature male Downy Woodpecker
Dave said that this trail was a good place to see Summer Tanagers, and we weren't disappointed.
Summer Tanager
Summer Tanager
Summer Tanager
It was getting to be late morning, and the summer heat and humidity were on the rise. We drove to the Prairie Trail and hiked quite a bit there, but did not see a Henslow's Sparrow. A Green Heron flew from a nearby pond.
Green Heron
We hiked along the Wetlands Trail. There were several Common Yellowthroats, and a few other avian species.
Common Yellowthroat
Common Yellowthroat
Common Yellowthroat
Eastern Kingbird
Now it was mid-afternoon and hot. I asked Dave if he minded trying the Prairie Trail once again, and the good guy he is, he agreed. This time, two Henslow's Sparrows appeared (my life bird #666).
Henslow's Sparrow
Henslow's Sparrow
Henslow's Sparrow
Henslow's Sparrow
Henslow's Sparrow
Henslow's Sparrow
Henslow's Sparrow
Henslow's Sparrow
Henslow's Sparrow
Henslow's Sparrow