Sod Farm NW of Wilmington

["Ritch Lilly" <scbeachbums@hotmail.com>]

Dear Steve & Carolina Birders,

Since I found myself in Wilmington on Friday anyway, I couldn't help looking
for the sod farm that had been mentioned on the latest Rare Bird Alert
(RBA).  The farm that is located at the intersection of Ellwell Ferry Road
and North Carolina State Route 87 was called Oakland Plantation Turf Farm.

The farm was very large with plenty of fields to check through.  We (Phil
Turner and myself) did not get to the location until late that evening.
Since all the employees seemed to be gone, we birded along the main road
leading into the farm as the majority of the fields were posted.  We finally
found one fellow on the property that was adjusting the irrigation system so
we asked if it would be possible for us to bird in some of the more remote
areas.   Although the owner was not on site at the time, this gentleman
(Floyd) said he was sure it would be no problem.  He did tell us that if we
decide to come back to be sure to ask for Rick Neisler, the owner of the
farm or "Larry" who apparently manages the operation.

Floyd had no information on either the American Golden-Plovers or the
Buff-breasted Sandpipers and we were never able to locate either species.
Other than an Great Egret or two, the only "shorebirds" we had were pectoral
sandpipers.  We had several species of fairly common woodland birds and
enjoyed good looks at ten or twelve Horned Larks.  Although we didn't find
the species we were looking for, we both felt the farm could be very
promising especially if the area were to receive some good rains over the
next month or two.  I found the farm on-line just a bit ago.  Should you
need to contact them for permission to bird in advance of a trip, their
number should be:  (910) 669-2991 or (800) 542-5795.

Should either of the species mentioned at this location in the RBA be
relocated, I'd be very interested in hearing more details.

Good Birding,
Ritch Lilly
Myrtle Beach, SC
scbeachbums@hotmail.com