Hi all,
I decided to make a mad dash out to Hatfield Lake (near Bend, Deschuted
County) after work today to see if I could find the Red-breasted Merganser
on my 2nd try. The sun was low, so I went straight to the Back Pond where
the merganser has been reported. The only bird I paid attention to on my
way out was an Osprey flushing a lot of waterfowl on the Front Pond. I
thoroughly scoured the pond, but no merganser was to be found. While out
there, a flock of 7 American White Pelicans flew low overhead, and
eventually landed. This is the first time I have seen pelicans at Hatfield
Lake.
A Mute Swan that has been hanging out on the back pond lately seemed
positively excited to see the pelicans--big white birds that they were. It
seemed to want to get their attention, and went into full breeding display
mode. A pair of Redheads were at the back pond. Curiously, a muskrat was
preening on a rock that was exposed in the middle of the pond. Where did it
come from? The pond's only water source is the city's sewer...
As the sun was about to set, I headed back to the Front Pond on my way back
to the car. As soon as I reached the Front Pond, I was surprised to find a
flock of 11 Common Mergansers. I am beginning to wonder if someone has
planted fish in the ponds. A little more scanning and I found 4 Hooded
Mergansers. But no Red-breasted Merganser. After walking further west I
could see white birds near the other side. Putting the scope on them, I
found that the pelicans had changed ponds, and appeared to be settling in
for the night. It was last light. I decided to give the pond one more scan.
Much to my delight, just a little ways out, was the Red-breasted Merganser!
Merganser trifecta!
Never a dull moment...
Cheers,
Craig Miller
Bend, Oregon
