It took all I could muster not to stop on the way in Rochester for a random look at a Great-tailed Grackle, but I ultimately kept my path and arrived at Lake Louise by 7:30AM. I had a good feeling as I spotted a Eurasian Collared-Dove just as I was making the final turn and realized the bird was over park land and would be a year add for me.
Ready to start another full day of birding in the State Parks.
I wasn't sure what I was looking at for option and ended up driving towards the horse camp and general campground (still not open for the year) as they seemed to border a river and prairie space with mixed woodlands. As I crossed a bridge I heard the R2-D2 of birds and quickly spotted my first Bobolink of the year for a second year bird without leaving the car.
Driving past a recent prairie burn it was easy to spot a number of sparrows moving about the dirt entrance road and I soon found a campground visitor parking lot that allowed me to get out and look at some hiking options.
A nice looking Savannah Sparrow hanging out just off the river.
As I geared up a Rose-breasted Grosbeak began singing from a nearby tree and then a Baltimore Oriole landed in the tree right above me. Shortly after a Gray Catbird gave a few plaintive calls. I knew I had hit the right direction to start the day as the south already appeared to have a fun contingent of migrant birds in place.
I snagged a trail that moved towards the Upper Iowa River and seemed skirt the prairie at the same time. A few birds moved about and I spotted a couple waterfowl (American Coot & Blue-winged Teal) paddling about in the some flooded backwater areas. Eventually I spotted a few Solitary Sandpiper along with a Spotted Sandpiper for some bonus shorebirds. My original intent was thwarted as I realized the trail crossing from the river was a no go with the high water.
What appears to be a normal path on most days was a bit less than traversable this day.
This accidental rerouting worked in my favor as I rolled with it and followed the trail that eventually took me to a nice open woodland near the western edge of the park and I soon heard what initially sounded like an odd-voiced Red-Bellied Woodpecker, only to find I had stumbled upon a pair of Red-headed Woodpeckers talking back and forth in the woods. This was a great surprise as I had not done any advance research showing they have some history in the park as being present.
My first of year Red-headed Woodpecker at Lake Louise.
As I continued through the wooded area arching back towards the parking area I happened upon a few other year birds with a quiet Blue-headed Vireo as well as a Black-throated Green Warbler moving about the understory. As I finished the hike I took a quick drive and look at the hiking club trail off of Lake Louise and the swim beach, but didn't stay long as the woods were quiet and I was looking forward to getting to more parks on the day. I wrapped up with 58 species on the morning effort and was very happy with what I found.
A view of the damn at the end of Lake Louise.
The Great: The park seemed to provide ample hiking opportunity, though total solitude wasn't always a thing as nearby farms and road traffic was audible a number of times. The hiking variety was very nice though elevation was limited so it won't likely be a strenuous effort most of the time. To be fair though several miles of trail are still left to be explored. A paved trail (Shooting Star State Trail) runs through the park and provides some nice access as well.
The Meh: I can see the swim beach area off of Lake Louise and the spillway area being a big summer draw so it is possible the park won't be the greatest summer birding destination, but in the early spring the park was a dead zone for humans so that was nice.
The Verdict: I can see coming back in the future for a quick stop and grabbing some additional trail time to snag more park/county tics for a life list. Doesn't really have any amazing views, but not every park needs that to serve a purpose. This is a nice oasis in farm country and having Red-headed Woodpeckers potentially nesting in the park is a huge bonus.
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