Today, I had an ordinary trip turned into a super trip.
I started by visiting Pearson Metropark. Saw the usual Chickadees, WB
Nuthatches, Juncos (1 was an Oregon), Goldfinches, Downy Woodpeckers, Tufted
Titmice, Lots of Cardinals, House Finches, & lots of House Sparrows.
Spotting a White-throated Sparrow with the trees pleased me. As I was
getting ready to leave, a Sharp-shinned Hawk shot down & nailed a female
Cardinal, feeding on the ground, next to a feeder. As I reached in my pocket
for my camera, he left with his prize. Then, as I headed towards the door, a
couple of Blue Jays brightened up the side feeders. Not too bad!

I drove over to the Bayshore Power Plant to see what was in the cooling
water. I soon noted that there were large numbers of Herring Gulls &
Ring-billed Gulls. Then a flock of about 20 Mallards took off. One was pure
white. Since he easily flew with the others, I assume he was an albino. He
was only about 100 feet away. Always like to see something like that.

Also, saw Scaup, mostly Lesser, a small number of Canada Geese, 1 Great Blue
Heron, a Coot swam by me & 2 Red-breasted Mergansers flew by me. Have to get
me a new telescope, would probably have gotten a few more.

I drove to the NW corner of Maumee SP, where I have seen Long-eared Owls
roosting this time of year. Didn't see any birds of any kind, this time.

Then I drove to the Nature Building, also at Maumee Bay SP. At first there
was almost nothing. Then the Naturalist came over & showed me where the
Red-breasted Nuthatch hung out. He was there, all right. While we were
looking a Kestrel shot over, chasing almost everything. Soon afterward, the
birds started returning. Evidently, they knew he was there.

About 30 Tree Sparrows showed up, along with a few House Sparrows,
Goldfinches, White-breasted Nuthatches, 1 Junco & 1 Starling.

As I drove away, I noticed my pickup was slipping a little in the snow. Time
to go home. No sense spoiling a good day.

V. Lee Grover

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