[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ TAS BirdBoard ] [ FAQ ]
Posted by Toe on 12:42:48 11/29/08
Angel, Mariel and I went into the park early in search of year birds for the dynamic duo. We found one Lesser Nighthawk and a couple of Whip-poor-wills whilre driving before first light. Dawn found us at the end of Research Road. We didn't see any owls, but did find 4 Sedge Wrens just west of Research Road before the last turn towards the missile site. There were also a couple of Swamp Sparrows in the area. Closer to the missile site there were House Wrens, Yellowthroats, Palms, a Yellow-rumped, and a Pine Warbler.
In the mushy field east of the research center we found a few Grasshopper Sparrows, a couple of Savannahs, and lots of Snipe. From Gate 15 on Hidden Lake Rd. a walk towards the mound produced two Snail Kites perched on snags out to the east. One was close enough to provide great looks in the scope. Near the mound the only interesting bird was another Swamp Sparrow.
As we were driving back to the Visitor's Center to get A&M's car, Larry calls to say his wife Christine had spotted a Canada Goose in the lake inside the wastewater treatment plant while driving from Dump Marsh to Cutler Wetlands on 97 Ave. A quick stop at the C-111 got us the Yellow-headed Blackbird on the wire, still accompanied by probably the same frisky cowbird.
At the wastewater plant, we parked just south of the canal and walked along 97 Ave. looking towards the lake with no sign of the Goose. After scanning every corner of the lake, we solemnly walked back to the car, our heads held low, feeling the deep, dark gloom slowly creeping about us, wallowing in our despair. Just before getting to the bridge, Angel looks out to the grass near a pump station and yells out "there it is!" The Canada Goose was walking around on the bank. It later flew back into the lake. Excellent find Christine!
[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ TAS BirdBoard ] [ FAQ ]