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Date: | Sun, 26 Feb 2012 15:25:38 -0500 |
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Sunday, February 26, 2012
Cabin fever out did the bug I’ve had for the last two weeks. Linda decided
I had to get out for my sanity (or hers?) so we took a circuit of some of
southern Delaware County.
The first stop was Oxbow Road which is minutes from the front door. The
causeway is still blocked for cars as high water has been a problem so we
walked the gravel road to the boat launch at the end. It was worth the walk as
we started with an obliging Black-crowned Night Heron that was scrunched
up in a tree looking for all it was worth that it wished it were someplace
else. It lifted its head and watched us; its red eyes seemed as intense as
hot coals. This exposed the white plumes that extend from the head and its
large beak that had been tucked into its feathers. As we continued on it
tucked its head down, lifted one leg and resumed its slumber.
In the open water surrounding Oxbow Road were a variety of waterfowl.
After the Canada Geese and Mallards, Hooded Mergansers were in the majority and
there were several decent rafts of Ruddy Ducks. The Ruddy Ducks seem to be
attracted to the area as attested by the 467 we tallied on the Hoover
Reservoir CBC, all at or near Oxbow. There were about 10 Common Goldeneye mixed
with the Hooded Mergansers. The drakes were busy courting the hens and
displaying. Gulls were standing on the ice and floating in the open water. We
scanned for anything unusual but only found 2 Herring Gulls with the rest
all Ring-billed Gulls.
I made a quick check on the Bald Eagle’s nest. One adult was on the nest
and the other perched nearby.
We then made a run north using back roads to the Delaware Wildlife Area.
Horned Larks were everywhere but no longspurs or buntings were found mixed
in.
At the Delaware Wildlife Area I was surprised to find the pond and marsh
of Waterfowl Management Area A bone dry. No dabblers today although this
area is usually great during the spring migration. The deep water of Delaware
Lake was better but not great. Lots of Canada Geese and Mallards but lesser
numbers of Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Hooded Merganser,
Red-breasted Merganser, American Wigeon, American Black Duck and Gadwall.
Not the best list going but after two weeks housebound I’ll take it.
Charlie B
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