I made my annual pilgrimage to Triadelphia this morning, the last weekend before
the public areas close for the winter on December 15. I visited Pigtail and
Brighton Dam, and found them devoid of waterfowl. Just a few Ring-billed Gulls
were seen from Brighton. The dry portions of Pigtail that are now overgrown,
had quite a few sparrows about, virtually all Song Sparrows. I did find one
Swamp Sparrow.
Since the long view from Brighton yielded no waterfowl in the distance, I moved
on, skipping Greenbridge.
Centennial proved to be much more productive:
Pied-billed Grebe - 3
Great Blue Heron - 2-3
Canada Goose - hundreds
Cackling Goose - 1-2 (see below)
Ring-necked Duck - 12
Hooded Merganser - 3
Ruddy Duck - 6
Rinb-billed Gull - 15
Re the Cackling Geese, I noted three birds landing, calling. One was distinctly
smaller, with shorter neck. Further, it's voice was higher and squeekier.
I managed to relocate the bird, and noted stubby bill and flat crown, as well
as smaller size. Necks were not extended for comparison. It was in company
with a bird that appeared to be a bit larger, and with slightly larger bill.
I feel
confident that the first bird was Cackling, reserve judgement on the second.
I have to wonder it these were not June's two birds. I left them at the east
end of the last island one encounters as walking towards the dam.
The west end/wildlife area at Centennial is completely frozen. That may change
by tomorrow with the warmer temperatures. The ice was not thick.
Kurt Schwarz
HowCo
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