Today proved to be more interesting than expected. Along with many other
birders I took time to enjoy the presence of the Royal Tern at Hoover
Reservoir  in the early afternoon. It provided us with a great show, flying
overhead,  perching on the floating dock and splashing in the water.

Earlier I made a sweep of the north end of the reservoir and located rafts
of Canvasback, Redhead, Hooded Merganser, Red-breasted Merganser,
Ring-necked Ducks, plus a few Wood Ducks and Ruddy Ducks.

A few Pied-billed Grebe and Horned Grebe are scattered about, mostly near
the dam.

Then I attended a meeting of the Preserves Advisory Council at 6:00 PM. The
 business agenda was slim so we adjourned earlier and I headed home. I shut
off  the car, open the door and the first sound was American Woodcock. I
alerted  Linda and we headed to the edge of our wetland area and the woodcock
were  popping all around us. One did a circuit behind us. The light faded
and we  could no longer see them although we could hear at least 4 displaying.
First of  the year. I plan to get out earlier tomorrow and catch them when
I have better  light. A sign spring is around the corner.

Charlie Bombaci

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