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Posted by Angel & Mariel on 14:30:25 01/30/09
Yesterday after work we decided to go bird the Dump Marsh and some other areas close by. Before making it to DM we stopped at a rock query lake that has had some goodies in the past, we were hoping to find some gulls or a tern. There were only a few gulls on the water but no Franklin's or Bonaparte's, we continued to scan and came up with a Forster's Tern that was fishing off to the north end of the lake. Later Toe and Trey passed by looking for the Tern but no luck; they did find some Hooded Mergansers and Lesser Scaup though. They missed one bird but picked up another.
At Dump Marsh upon arrival we spotted about ~100 Cowbirds on the power lines. We got out of the car to sort through the Cowbirds, a quick scan yielded one first winter male Yellow-headed Blackbird. The bird has lots of yellow on it and is starting to grow yellow on the crown and back of the head. Awesome, we have been looking for an YH Blackbird since the first of the year!
The call went out and Bill was first to show only to be disappointed as the birds took to the wing while he was pulling up. Arghhh!! At least he was able to narrow it down to passerine spp. LOL Shortly after Trey arrived and we made our way out to the pond to see what was about. The expected was present at the pond, including a rocket Nightjar that passed right by us. The Tropical Kingbird was very vocal as it got darker, can't believe it is still here. Bill had to go as did Trey. Toe showed up as the sun was setting so we walked out again to look and listen for Sora which I heard while trying to photograph the Lesser Nighthawks. We were surprised by the bird life that was present as it got darker. Eight Lesser Nighthawks made an appearance along with two Yellow-crowned Night Heron a Barn Owl fluttered a couple feet from us and two Sora flushed from the edge of the pond. A Whip-poor-will almost hit us as it flew into a shrub right in front of us, incredible. After a close shave we decided to get out of there while we were still ahead. We had an awesome time birding with good friends and great birds.
Nature is Awesome
Angel & Mariel
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