[wisb] Monday evening - Vernon Marsh (Mukwonago)

  • From: thomas657@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
  • To: wisbirdn@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
  • Date: Tue, 07 Aug 2012 15:04:08 -0400

I paid a visit to the figure eight dikes at Vernon Marsh last night.  

When we arrived, there were a pair of Sandhills in the open field before the 
dikes.  And, there were a couple hawks in the area.  One, in particular was 
curiously interested in us as we approached:

Curious Hawk: 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22836210@N03/7734491798/in/photostream/


There were plenty of Green Herons all around.  At one time, there were eight of 
them flying together.  This was the first time I spotted Black-crowned Night 
Herons here.  They were more mobile, taking flight between trees to the south 
and coming back to the east pond.  There was a decent number of GBHs in the 
area too. 

Juvenile and Adult BCNH: 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22836210@N03/7734478688/in/photostream/


Last week, I spotted a handful of Great Egrets.  Last night there were a couple 
dozen.  They seemed to favor (1) the south end of hte east pond, (2) trees to 
the east, and (3) a couple dead trees in the west pond.  They were in the air 
quite a bit. 

In-Flight overhead: 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22836210@N03/7734497620/in/photostream/
Taking off: http://www.flickr.com/photos/22836210@N03/7734491562/in/photostream/
In the trees to the east: 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22836210@N03/7734485026/in/photostream/
Egrets at sunset: 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22836210@N03/7734478586/in/photostream/


In the west pond, there was a single Mute Swan.  There were less shorebirds, 
and more ducks. 

In reflecting water: 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22836210@N03/7734478442/in/photostream/


Off-topic, while viewing hte birds in the east pond, there was a large clump of 
mud slowing moving across the water.  I was really odd.  Eventually, a snapping 
turtle's poked his head through the water.  I am guessing the shell was at 
least 15" long.  Notice how far the head is out in front of hte shell. 

Snapping turtle: 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22836210@N03/7734491416/in/photostream/


A word of caution.  The mosquitos are starting to pick up.  And the thistle 
along the southeast "stick" of the figure eight warrants long pants.  


Thanks,
Tom Wright
Wales
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  • » [wisb] Monday evening - Vernon Marsh (Mukwonago) - thomas657