Leann heard there was a Nelson’s Sparrow spotted at Mentor Marsh. She has not seen one and asked if I wanted to go, sure.
Mentor Marsh is 646 to 800+ acres depending on your source.
- Marsh Info
- Designated a National Natural Landmark in 1966.
- Named Ohio’s first State Nature Preserve in 1971.
- Recognized as a National Audubon Society Important Birding Area
- In the 1960s, salt-mine tailings and waste from local salt production facilities (Diamond and Morton Salt) were dumped into Blackbrook Creek.
- The resulting salinity and contamination killed off native trees and plants, leading to a massive invasion of non-native, 14-foot-tall common reed (Phragmites australis).
- Accumulations of dead Phragmites stalks caused frequent wildfires, including a major 2003 fire that burned over 400 acres and destroyed the Wake Robin boardwalk
- Large-scale restoration efforts (ramped up significantly starting in 2015) use aquatic herbicides, mowing, and crushing to remove Phragmites and revive native biodiversity.
- Over 180 native plant species have returned, alongside wildlife such as bald eagles, northern pike, river otters, beavers, and migratory songbirds/waterfowl.
We walked on the boardwalk hoping to see the Nelson’s. We talked to a few other birders that said it was seen at the end of the boardwalk but they had not seen it. Turns out we did not see it either.
As we walked back they mentioned that there was a LeConte’s Sparrow in the weeds. Leann has not see one of these either. It was not cooperating, birders have to be very patient and will wait a long time to see a specific bird. I am not that patient but was willing to wait. The bird finally popped out so Leann could see it. Happy wife, happy life.
Goldenrod
These are the dried seed heads and spikes of blue vervain which is a native plant.
HAPPY BIRDING, STEVE