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Subject:

HowCo Waterfowl

From:

Kurt Schwarz

Reply-To:

Kurt Schwarz

Date:

Sat, 9 Dec 2006 13:52:47 -0500

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
goawaybird at comcast dot net