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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