ASE Web

Sometimes pleasant surprises lie tucked away in unexpected places. Such is the case with Peaceful Waters wetlands in Wellington, the first stop on our field trip February 20.

Not well known, Peaceful Waters is located at the edge of Wellington Village Park, near the intersection of Pierson Road and 120th. A boardwalk snakes through a series of impoundments, which are also encircled by foot paths. Although adjacent to often heavily used ball fields, the area—as its name implies—still offers a “peaceful” spot to view wildlife.

Our 16 field trip participants enjoyed close looks at five species of ducks, the highlights being Wood Duck and Lesser Scaup; and eight species of shorebirds, including Solitary Sandpiper and Long-billed Dowitcher. A nice assortment of wading birds was also present, as were Sora and Purple Gallinule. A Flicker even made an appearance.

The field trip concluded at the viewing platform at Stormwater Treatment Area 1 West, west of 20-Mile Bend. There we added Hooded Merganser, White Pelican (several hundred), Black Skimmers (skimming), and Gull-billed Tern. Our species total for the day reached more than 60. We didn’t break any records, but got to experience a good variety of birds. And maybe some of us added a new, unexpected, birding spot.

–Chuck Weber