This morning Gene Dale, Dennis Carter and I checked Cardinal Marsh to see if
enough of the ice had melted away to entice hardy early returnees to stop by.
Though all the ponds are still mostly iced over, we were thrilled to see and
hear a pair of sandhill cranes.
Then, among the expected Canada geese and mallards, we saw a pair of
green-winged teal. Several vees of geese went over while we were there.
Then, as we walked back to the car, a flock of 30 tundra swans came in,
directly overhead, that brilliant white against a clear blue sky!
We drove around to the north side and in along the Turkey River, which is now
pretty much back to normal level, and were delighted to see 3 buffleheads and
an immature male goldeneye.
Several of the more expected species (red-wings, eagles, red-tailed hawks,
robins, kestrel), but none as spectacular as earlier.
Rose Weigel
Winneshiek Co.
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Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use:
Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0
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