A skilled birder friend, Gale V, found a family of Sedge Wrens while out looking for breeding birds for the NYS BBA III project. This is a really great find as this species has not successfully bred much in Western New York for many years. This wren like a specific habitat of sedge grasses, which has become more and more rare due to human encroachment and resulting habitat loss.
It took a few days, but I finally made the hour drive down to see the Sedge Wrens. I almost think I like hearing them more than seeing them! They make a dry "chink chink chatter" sound. That's my own description, so that's not official!
When I arrived at the area, I was happy to hear them right away, while still in my car. Two made themselves very obvious and even popped up as they sang. Gale has reported up to six in the area, which is wonderful. I hope they return every year! What a rewarding find and I'm so glad I got to see and hear them. Try to imagine their sound as you look at a few photos I was able to get.