On my census of Cowan Lake waterfowl this evening, I was treated to a fly-by
of the two Long-tailed Ducks reported earlier today by Beth Mitchell and
Larry Gara.  I also had a female Black Scoter.  Scoters have become rare but
regular in these parts (Cowan, Caesar Creek, and Larry Roberts's pond).  We
get a one or two a year, usually black and/or white-winged.  No sign of the
eagles.
I counted a total of 1080 waterfowl of 17 species.  The lake has been drawn
down about four feet to facilitate replacement of the sailboat docks in the
east end.  I believe this had the effect of depressing Canada Goose and
Mallard numbers, which are now getting back up to normal.  By this
afternoon, the lake was 90% ice-free.  Consequently, the birds were
scattered over a much wider area.

Cheers,

Bob

--
Robert D Powell
Congress Farm Research Institute
Wilmington, OH, USA
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http://rdp1710.wordpress.com

Nulla dies sine aves

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