A hidden gem

The Loop Island Wetlands in New Albany is a hidden gem for bird watching, particularly shorebirds and waterfowl.

Located along Silver Creek and bordered to the south by the Ohio River, there are tow large ponds on the property, the largest of which is a little over 40 acres.

Species of shorebirds here that can be seen and photographed include Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, Green Herons, Double Crested Cormorants, Killdeer, Lesser yellow legs, and Solitary Sandpipers.

The list of waterfowl include, Canada Geese, Mallards, Wood duck, Blue Winged Teal, and in the winter you can see Mergansers, Widgeon's, sometimes you can catch sight of White Winged Scoters.

Also in the 50 acres of the property you can spot Pileated Woodpecker, Downy Woodpeckers, Northern Flickers, Osprey. Red-Tailed and Red-Shouldered Hawks, I have never seen myself, but have been told that a few Northern Harriers have been spotted around the loop as well.
Of real note is somewhere hidden (and hopefully stays that way) is a tree that is called home by some Bald Eagle. After a conspicuous absence for most of the year, at least on has been spotted recently not to far from the Junction of Silver Creek and Ohio River.

Feathered creatures are not the only ones to call the loop home. A regular visit to the Loop named Steve was able to get a fabulous photograph a while back of a Coyote walking on frozen pond in the winter.White Tailed Deer, Raccoons, Virginia Opossums, Grey and Red Squirrels, Rabbits, voles, Ground hogs, and ground squirrels round out the mammals.

And a variety of water turtles, and eastern box turtles, along with ribbon snakes, Garder Snakes, fence lizards, broadhead skinks, five lined skinks and northern water snakes are present for the reptile category.

Amphibians are represented by American toads, Bull frogs, leopard frogs, and grey tree frogs are just a few of these guys around. I have not seen any, but I am quite sure there are plenty of salamanders lurking in the waters and under the leaves and logs as well.

The Near future calls for plans for the "Greenway" to cut through the loop with a proposed two lane road cutting through what is called the Dueling Grounds near the Ohio River.


With the entrance located just east of the intersection of Silver and Main Streets in New Albany, it offers a close to home chance to see some of the wildlife that we routinely drive a 100 mile round trip to places like Muscatatck or Big Oaks, perfect for a late afternoon quick trip or an early morning trip before the start of week end yard work.

Bring a good pair of grippy boots though, as the mud can sometimes get quite slippery. For the most part, the hiking is flat, with the exception of a few small hills and a couple of very small creek crossings. As far as photography equipment is concerned, generally a good 300mm lens is sufficient, as things tend to be rather close if you are quiet and patient. But a pocket point and shoot with a decent zoom will suffice as well.

http://www.loopislandwetlands.com/