I saw a Grasshopper Sparrow near the water feature early this morning. The bird flew towards the meadow and I never saw it again. A little late and a little unexpected I’d say. I also heard and saw a Great Crested Flycatcher.

On a side note, some of you may have noticed that the eastern portion (specifically, the eastern panne) of Montrose Dunes has been cordoned off with yellow rope. This was done to protect the vegetation from trampling and disturbance. I know the dunes are popular with birders seeking Nelson’s Sparrows and other birds but the disturbance to this area has become so extreme that cordoning it off became necessary. Please don’t enter this area if you bird the dunes and stay on the footpaths to minimize damage to the vegetation.