Waterfowl migration is on and popping and the bird-nerd in me is brimming with a child-like excitement!Just over an hour ago, I took a drive out to Swan Lake State Park, which, for those of who are unfamiliar with the name, is located just outside of Carroll. As I scanned the thawing surface of the lake, I made a thrilling discovery: atop a thin, snow-covered sheet of ice, surrounded by scores of Canada and Greater White-Fronted Geese loomed sixteen, that's right, SIXTEEN statuesque figures, all of them being Trumpeter Swans!! How long they had been there, I have no way of knowing. However, much to my disappointment, I was only able to keep watch over the Swans for a mere fifteen minutes; all sixteen individuals took flight as a slow-moving SUV rolled past on one of the dirt trails (Not mine, I assure you! I was approaching stealthily on foot, all the while maintaining a healthy distance). I stayed a half-hour longer, but the Swans did not return. Other notable waterfowl species I observed include American Wigeon, Green-Winged Teal, Gadwall, Common Goldeneye, Northern Pintail, Hooded Merganser, Redhead, and dozens of Canvasback. Elsewhere in the park, I caught sight of a Fox Sparrow, my first of the year!
Happy Birding to all! Rachel Simmons Carroll, Iowa --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: [email protected]
