Slow Morning at Crystal Waters - 20 Oct 2026
I met Jack and Janet Volker out at Crystal Waters State Game Area this morning at 8:30 am. Skies were clear, winds were calm, and it was a cool 45ºF. A gorgeous morning to check out the area. A Golden Eagle was spotted last week here so we had hopes... We parked in the lot off Darling Road and walked across the road to check the pond to the north. All was quiet except for a few Song Sparrows and Swamp Sparrows . The pond held no waterfowl. We returned to the parking lot area to check out the quarry. A Red-bellied Woodpecker and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker would be the highlight of the morning as we left the north pond. The quarry was quiet. No waterfowl on the pond, and only a scattering of Killdeer, Eastern Bluebirds and Horned Larks . Yellow-rumped Warblers and Song Sparrows were bouncing through the trees nearby. Five Sandhill Cranes flew overhead (yes, I can count). Horned Lark . Four Eastern Bluebirds were on the wire next to the parking lot upon our return. A Downy Woodpecker ne...
