Hello,

Today while surveying a block for the winter atlas in northern Wayne
County, we found a single harrier, despite the drizzle.  Another highlight
included a flock of about 2000 mixed blackbirds.  Last week we encountered
a very large flock of at least 10,000!  We have been surprised at the
interesting birds we've found in a block that is largely agricultural, in
this unusual winter.  Last week we found 2 field sparrows, along with
white-crowned, white-throated, tree and song sparrows.

In the afternoon we quickly drove though Funk Bottoms, finding very little
other than rising water.  But north of Funk between Route 30 and old Route
30 we found a small "pond" in a field holding 12 snow geese (2 blue phase)
and 1 pintail with about 20-25 mallards.  A wonderful surprise, though the
geese didn't stay.  Perhaps these geese settled north of the extensive Funk
wetlands because of the hunters at Funk.

Helen & Ken Ostermiller

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