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To kick off our special visit to Two Eagles Farm in Smyrna, a great spectacle greeted our eager group of birders.

Bright yellow-chested birds with black “V’s” and lemon-faced birds with black horns flew around a barren soybean field, settling to the ground and vanishing before our eyes!

We had found a large mixed flock of “field birds”, those species that like to hang out in open spaces and feed on seeds. The incredible camouflage coloration of these birds helps them blend into their surroundings.

With eyes to the fine Leica spotting scopes, we scanned carefully and picked out these birds scattered across the field: Eastern Meadowlarks that glowed bright yellow when facing us, and the amazing Horned Larks(photo above) with their black masks on a yellow face.

The very dull brown and gray American Pipits were the toughest to spot, until a few landed along the edge of a puddle right in front of us. This species used to be called “Water Pipit” so they were in the right habitat!

We explored an area alongside the cattle pasture, where a small flock of sparrrows flushed from the short grass. Another bird in its preferred habitat, these Savannah Sparrows(photo above) snuck throught the grass like little brown mice. They prefer to run and hide rather than fly. One sparrow perched on the wire fence and let us take its photo, showing off its big pink beak and yellow stripe above the eye. Notice the long toenail that this bird uses to scratch for seeds on the ground.

As we walked around the cattle pasture, we checked on the nest boxes that are placed for cavity-nesting species like Eastern Bluebirds and Tree Swallows. In our survey of eight boxes, we discovered that four had been used last season by House Wrens, and four used by House Sparrows. The wrens jam the box full of small twigs and the House Sparrows make a messy nest of dried grass and loose feathers.

We also discovered that Woolly Bear caterpillars, Ladybugs, and Stink Bugs all like to spend the winter inside the comfort of a bird box!

The Belgian horses came out to check out our group of birders, and we also enjoyed seeing the cattle and sheep that live on this working farm. Can you spot the two mules?

One goal of this field trip was to take a survey of wintering birds on the farm, and we saw neat sights like Red-bellied Woodpeckers snatching corn from the corn crib, Northern Mockingbirds chasing other birds around, and a large flock of Mallards that swirled over the cornfield. We observed birds in the fields, pastures, forests, and sky as we enjoyed a slow walk around the center of the farm.

We also discovered the nests of Chipping Sparrow, American Robin, and Orchard Oriole from last nesting season. Soon enough, these birds will return again to nest this spring!

As our list reached 39 and we wanted to wrap up with one more species to hit the 40 mark, a flock of beautiful Tundra Swans(photo above) flew over our heads as we stood near the marsh. A great way to end our day on the farm!

We thank the Armstrong family for generously allowing us to visit and explore their farm, and for doing such a great job of welcoming wildlife to their land.