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 #################### You received this email because you are subscribed to the Wisconsin Birding Network (Wisbirdn). To UNSUBSCRIBE or SUBSCRIBE, use the Wisbirdn web interface at: //www.freelists.org/list/wisbirdn To set DIGEST or VACATION modes, use the Wisbirdn web interface at: //www.freelists.org/list/wisbirdn Visit Wisbirdn ARCHIVES at: //www.freelists.org/archives/wisbirdn