I decided to get away from work for a couple hours this morning and birded
a couple of areas in the West Eugene Wetlands. It wasn't the birdiest
morning, but the sun was out.
Lots of SNIPE at and around Stewart Pond, but the non-Mallard waterfowl was
surprisingly sparse. The most interesting were a half-dozen or so RN DUCKS
and a single BUFFLEHEAD. Other species present were what one would expect
(Cacklers, Kingfisher, GB Herons, etc.).
Meadowlark Prairie (on Greenhill Rd.) was less birdy, but slightly more
interesting. This included a flock of 10-15 LINCON'S SPARROWS in the tall
grass and blackberry thickets, eight or so PINTAIL (why do I *always* see
overwintering Pintail here?), numerous MEADOWLARKS (mostly heard singing,
some small flocks visible), and a half-dozen or so RT HAWKS, about half
juvies. I also had an incidental HARRIER here during the CBC on Sunday. Due
to the clock, I was only able to spend 30 minutes at this spot.
Brandon
Eugene
