Even though it is cold this weekend, over the past several days the marshes
around Ottawa NWR and Magee Marsh Wildlife Area have opened up some holes in
the ice for waterfowl to concentrate. Ottawa NWR had swans (both Trumpeter
and Tundra), Canada Geese, and Mallards. Small flocks of Tundra Swans are
moving around the area. Yesterday there was a small grebe on Lake Erie on
the Magee Wildlife Beach-I imagine it was a Horned but I had no binoculars.
Common Mergansers and Lesser Scaup were on the lake as well, with flights
flying east to west. There were also a couple small flocks of Wood Ducks
which is a little early for the species. However, with a few good south
winds blowing lately, I would have expected some early spring birds to show
up. There was even a female Wood Duck which took off from the pond by the
Magee Boardwalk. I counted at least eight birds (Wood Ducks) but there was
probably more since I only heard the female Wood Duck take off in the last
group.



This morning walking at Ottawa NWR there were five Hooded Mergansers
including 4 displaying males and a female in with a group of Canada Geese.
There are great sights of spring to be viewed despite the temperatures!



As a side note, there are two Fox Sparrows still frequenting the Black Swamp
Bird Observatory feeders at our Window on Wildlife.



Enjoy the beauty of the season,



Julie Shieldcastle




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