Despite the windy conditions, I took an extended lunch hour to check Rock Cut SP today.  I was particularly interested in Henslow’s Sparrows, as well as what migrant arrivals might be in the sheltered creek bottom below the dam.

There were at least 6 calling Henslow’s Sparrows in the old hay field that is south of Hart Road across from the entrance to the Equestrian campground.  I could hear at least 3 birds right from the road.  The others were further in along the equestrian trail that runs to the south.

Lots of Yellow Warblers ( I counted 17) were calling from the scrubby vegetation all along Hart Road and along the main park road that goes toward the dam from the north entrance.  Below the dam were Baltimore Orioles, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Warbling Vireos, a Louisiana Waterthrush (calling along the limestone outcrop along the creek) and Palm and Yellow-rumped Warblers, plus a Northern Parula.    With the exception of 2 male Baltimore Orioles near the dam parking lot, all of the mentioned birds were below the dam in the creek bottoms, out of the wind.