As another sign of spring Susan, Ann and I had a, first of the year, PURPLE
MARTIN sitting on one of the Martin house poles at the Montezuma Visitor's
Center yesterday. The Martin houses haven't been raised to the top of the poles
yet, but it looks like time. There were half a dozen NORTHERN SHOVELERs in the
visitor's center pond along with A.WIGEON, ABDU, GADWALL, MALLARD and a
GREEN-WINGED TEAL. We didn't see any Blue-winged Teal.
The main pool is still partially frozen and it was interesting to see Great
Blue Herons walking on the ice. Many gulls covered the ice including an ICELAND
GULL that Tim Lenz alerted us to. Four OSPREYS cavorted over the maintenance
buildings. We could only drive as far as Benning Marsh as the road is blocked
by equipment.
The mucklands held many tens of thousands of Snow Geese,
Mallards, Pintails and American Black Ducks. We were able with great difficulty
pick up two ROSS'S GEESE, one sitting and one flying. It would have been
easier, but most of the Snows were feeding or resting with their heads tucked
in.
Gary
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