Karen and I arose early yesterday and headed to Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area near Columbia, MO. We had a good morning, finding her several life birds and 67 species total for the day. Highlight were Rose-beasted Grosbeak, Bell's Vireo, several Warbling Vireos, a Double-crested Cormorant, several Solitary Sandpipers and Lesser Yellowlegs, five swallow species (Barn, NRW, Bank, Cliff, and Purple Martin), many Dickcissels, a Bald Eagle adult, 8 Green Herons, and numerous Great Egrets (91) and Great Blue Herons (153). Also picked up several Black-capped Chickadees which was a MO state bird for me (however they are common in the central/northern part of the state, carolinas occur around my location in Pulaski/Phelps Counties and southward). We also saw an adult raccoon with four young cross the gravel road in front of us at Eagle Bluffs, and a Striped Skunk abmling along the grassy road shoulder (several photos taken). Leopard Frogs were everywhere, and we saw several turtle species, including a Map Turtle I photographed (probably a Mississippi Map Turtle after reviewing Peterson's Reptile and Amphibian guide).

Yesterday evening we went dip netting for amphibians, catching 5 different tadpole species, several frogs, and several "Central" Newts. A storm blew in about 2030, preventing us from looking for snakes during the night.