Wells Lake is a place to re-visit frequently during migration. Its mix of waterfowl was in a constant state of flux yesterday, but continually rich. While parking by the bridge is a bit sparse, the area around it affords a clear view of both the heron rookery and the open waters by the outlet, so scoping is good, too.
Naturally the place was rife with Canadas, and I admit that because of their abundance, as with gulls, I neglected to look for the "specials" among them. There were too many other interesting--and some colorful--things to distract from more science-oriented observation. Among the many c. merganser pairs were a few hoodies. Along with the countless mallard pairs---some of them "necking' and copulating--were two American black Duck, more placid and reserved than the mallards, and the comical coots. The scaup pairs were the most active, frequently diving; their over-under arcs into the water was one fluid motion, the epitome of graceful energy. Eventually the many gorgeous shovelers joined them, and approached the shore by the bridge, allowing close views of their colors in the sunlight. The numerous canvasbacks and redhead pairs seemed content to be "eye-candy," however. At different times, a few eagles dropped by to buzz the flocks, which would rise up, before re-settling, and sometimes peel off to other places. I was unable to get a second glimpse of the wigeon, but something equally colorful eventually showed up: a half-dozen green-winged teal. One of them came close to the bridge, foraging along the shoreline, giving the best view ever. Other things also appeared at various times: gadwall, mute swan, a few greater white-fronted geese, a couple of pintails. It was well worth parking ourselves behind the scope to watch for the changes in cast. We did see several Great blue herons in the rookery, and Rob had spotted some cormorants flying off through there when we first arrived. I heard a kildeer too, and saw a different shorebird fly over-- very small, with white background, some dark mottling and some indefinite striping. We were finally moved to explore further downriver, heading through Northfield and beyond. We did a brief walk on the north side of the Cannon River Wilderness Park. Besides another bald eagle there were a couple of red-tail hawks, a half dozen bluebirds, male and female, a brown creeper (heard only), and woodpeckers: downies, hairy, and red-bellied. In the parking lot were a couple of birders who had been watching the pair of resident pileateds. On the way home we heard from Jen Vieth, who reported she'd just seen a mixed flock of snow buntings and Lapland longspurs west of Hastings, and that some snow geese had flown over. We had passed up checking Nerstrand for redhead woodpeckers, and also passed on seeking longspurs---so many places, so little time! Those will be on the next quest, coming soon. Good birding, wherever you go-- Linda Whyte ---- Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
