FreeLists / va-bird / [va-bird] Lake Moomaw 2/1/03

[Tadcipiter@xxxxxxx]

   Today, as participants of a Winter Raptor count,
Billy James and I made a trip through the Lake Moomaw 
area. Lots and lots of ice. The Bolar Flats area was 
completely frozen back to the bridge at the creek
entry, and parts of the lake itself was frozen. With
the exception of Coots, there were probably less
than 100 individuals, as far as waterfowl were con-
cerned, but those were good ones for us mountain
people. There were at least 20 Common Mergs, more 
than I have ever seen at one time in the mountains
and valleys, and there were a few RB Mergs mixed in 
with them. Other waterfowl present were 3-4 Canvas-
back, 20-30 Scaup sp. (way out), 10-20 Ruddys, 5-6
Bufflehead, 5-6 Hooded Mergs, and maybe 60-70 Coot.
   When we got there we saw an immature B Eagle stand-
ing out on the ice, and as we walked down to the waters 
edge it started flying around. After a while it gained
some altitude and started acquiring a few companions.
We watched as one after another eagle joined the first,
all immatures, until there were 7 in the air together.
Five in the same field of view!!! At about the same time
an adult was found sitting, so that made 8 at the same 
time. What a "Kodak Moment"! Also found, shortly before
and shortly after, was an adult and an immature Golden
Eagle there at the same location.
   After leaving we went to the Holding Ponds (completely
frozen over) and the Upper Res. (open water). The only 
waterfowl noted in the whole area was a large group of
Canada Geese (50+) and 4-5 Mallards. No eagles were
seen at this location, probably the first time I have ever
been shut out here.
   The Roanoke Valley Bird Club will be doing a Highland
Co. Field Trip and swinging back through this area in two
weeks. Here's hoping it will be as good as today.
   Tad Finnell
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