Sandpiper, Pectoral
Description: This is an uncommon, medium-sized shorebird often visible on mudflats and exposed shorelines around the Dixon Prairie.
Sandpiper, Least
Description: This fairly common, small shorebird is often seen in spring on exposed mudflat areas, especially south of the Dixon Prairie.
Sandpiper, Buff-breasted
Description: This rare shorebird is most likely to be seen on large lawn areas or on the gravel hill prairie in the Dixon Prairie.
Sandpiper, Baird's
Description: This rare shorebird can be seen on mudflats and exposed shorelines.
Robin, American***
Description: This is one of the most common, year-round birds at the Garden, and can be seen in all settings.
Redstart, American*
Description: Look for this common migrant warbler and possible breeder in any wooded habitat at the Garden.
Redpoll, Hoary
Description: Good luck with this one! It's a whiter, frostier version of the Common Redpoll, but even the hard-core birders don't always agree on the identification of this species. Hang around with the experts at the Enabling Garden and perhaps they can point one out to you. Look for this tundra-breeder traveling in a flock of common redpolls or goldfinches and siskins. This rare visitor is most likely to be found in alders or birches in winter feeding on seeds in cones and catkins.
Redpoll, Common
Description: About the size of a goldfinch, but appearing rounder, the common redpoll has a reddish cap on its head, a dark bib, yellow bill, and sometimes rosy pink on the breast. Redpolls are able to store seeds in their esophagus for later eating. In winter, look for small flocks of this little, vocal finch around alders and birches where they feed on the seeds, or at one of the bird feeders.
Redheaded Duck
Description: Look for this medium-sized diving duck on the lakes.
Rail, Yellow
Description: This rare migrant is an unusual sight on Marsh Island, in the Dixon Prairie, or in shoreline vegetation.