A little known resource for those investigating the
status of birds in se. Ohio along the Ohio River is
that of the
"Birds of the Lower Ohio River Valley in West Virginia"
http://www.birdsofthelowerohiorivervalleyinwestvirginia.com/index.htm
contrary to the title, records from adjacent Ohio counties are
included.
With regard to the Snow Goose in winter, regionally there are
high counts of 35 and 20 for Mason County, WV just
south of Athens County. So while within the flyway of the
speceis, I'm sure Scott Moody is quite
right with regard to the lack of records for Athens County.
However, along the Ohio River there are agricultural flat lands \
affording more suitable habitat for geese. Most especially
interesting to me are those within the "Great Bend"
of Meigs County which sees virtually no birder coverage.
Surrounded by 35 miles of Ohio River bank, the large
corn fields with nearby quarries can be an attractive
stopover site for waterfowl.
My few visits there have produced large numbers (for
se. Ohio) of Mallards and Canada Goose. November
migrant Canadas have numbered up to 1100/hr.
However, in mid-winter I have only Jan 2003
observations and nothing of note was present at the time.
I did report (and photograph) a Snow Goose this time last
year in Gallia County. Especially interesting from the
above database is a photographic record of a Snow
Goose from Lawrence County in Jan 1989 ... either
prior to or at the very onset of the rise in white goose
populations in North America.
This rise, in recent years, has been commensurate
with greater numbers (along with that of
Greater White-fronted Goose)
wintering farther north. It follows, that with
increased observation, the species may be expected
in suitable habitat on occasion within se. Ohio.
And if I may interject, with regard to waterfowl
records from Athens County, a site seriously
overlooked, especially as to the potential for
uncommon species, is that of Hockingport where
the Hocking River meets the Ohio.
cheers
Vic Fazio
Shaker Heights, OH
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