Waterfowl numbers are waning at Cardinal Marsh now, but still some
great looks at about 15 species. Waterfowl of note tonight included 25
White-fronted Geese, 1 Trumpeter Swan and 3 American Black Ducks.
There were 50 Canvasbacks on the marsh, and I have to say they are
about the most distinguished looking duck there is.
Shorebirds included 1 Lesser Yellowlegs and 2 Common Snipe.
5 Sandhill Cranes were trumpeting. One individual landed near a pair
in prime nesting territory. The courting male approached the intruder
with his head bent low like a rutting white-tailed deer buck
challenging another, aiming to stab the new arrival. This manuver sent
the interloper into the air with the dominant crane in hot pursuit as
they few away over the hills. Pretty cool.
Eastern Phoebe and Field Sparrow were new arrivals for me. Spring
Peepers singing there tonight.
Larry Reis
---
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]
