FreeLists / birdky / [birdky] McElroy Lake 9 February 2004

[David Roemer <dlroemer@xxxxxxxxx>]

McElroy Lake in Warren County is beginning to form as
a result of the recent rains.  Although it doesn't
look like a lake yet, there are a few wide shallow
pools adjacent to the ditch which are hosting
waterfowl.  Species observed today are C. Goose,
Mallard, Black, Pintail, Shoveler, Am. Wigeon,
Gadwall, and Redhead.  Four Sandhill cranes are still
present also.  Their numbers should increase
remarkably in the next couple of weeks if the lake
remains.

There was a good movement of larks and longspurs
through the area, but most continued to the south. 
They were distant and high enough against the gray sky
that I couldn't tell if any Snow Buntings were present
with them.  I didn't hear any buntings, although I did
hear several Lapland Longspurs.

A pair of Ross's Geese was in the company of Canadas
at Walton's Pond along with several common ducks.  

Also present at Walton's was a female Mallard x Black
hybrid, and I was able to obtain a few photos.  I see
males of this combination often, including today, but
not many females.  The body plumage on this bird
looked very similar to the maculosa race of Mottled
Duck, but the head and bill were typical of Black, and
the outer tail feathers were washed out from Mallard
influence.  A nice looking duck.

While hiking on a Wildlife Management Area in Barren
County near Barren Reservoir this morning, I heard a
Lincoln's Sparrow chipping with a flock of Song and
Swamp Sparrows in a field of native grasses.  A little
"pishing" got him to hop up on a weed for an excellent
look.  A nice bird for this time of year.  I also
observed 5 northbound Sandhill Cranes.

Other recent highlights include the single Ross's
Goose at various feeding areas in southern Warren
County. This bird is always in the company of Canadas
which roost at Griffin Park.  Close-ups of this bird
can be obtained at the park when not out feeding.  It
has the wartiest bill I've ever seen on a Ross's.

On February 5, there were at least 30 Chipping
Sparrows in my yard.

On February 6, two Eurasian Collared-Doves were
present at Richpond in southern Warren County.

Rusty Blackbirds have been easy to find the past few
days feeding in puddles of standing water.

dave

 
 

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