---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: linda whyte <[email protected]> To: [email protected], [email protected] Date: Sat, 4 Apr 2009 17:09:54 -0500 Subject: Crosby Park, St. Paul, Sat. The river is receding, at least for now, though the riverside paths are still not totally accessible. Passable sections of them can be reached in boots, and judicious bush-whacking of short-cuts.
On the large lake were still ring-necked ducks, bufflehead, and both mergansers, but they were joined by 4 pb grebes. Most of the mallards, a couple of woodies, and a couple of Canadas were hanging out in the flooded woods. As usual, the place was rife with woodpeckers (except the pileateds, who could be heard over on Pike Island). There were red-bellied calling in several locations, and many hairies and downies. The last two species seemed always to be consorting in pairs, feeding in close proximity and moving around together. Likewise, the wb nuthatches. Just off the east driveway, one of them was seen flying off with what appeared to be nesting material in its beak. It seemed too big a chunk--about the size of its head--to be food, unless it was a large cocoon or spider sac from last year. On the north side of the west end of the lake, another pair was seen going in and out of a lovely cavity; can't say if the place passed inspection Golden-crowned kinglets were very busy feeding, as were the brown creepers, who were present in small groups all around. The best part of that, was learning a creeper song (a pretty little whistle)---from the bird itself. Hearing an unfamiliar sound riveted my attention 'til I could find its owner; I watched one of the creepers moving its beak with distended throat, to confirm it was the singer. There were no large wading birds present, but further downriver in Pickerel Lake, Lilydale, a Great Egret made its appearance. 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 Reply Forward New window ---- Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
