[Mnbird] 180th St marsh (Dakota County) this afternoon

linda whyte birds at moosewoods.us
Thu Apr 2 18:47:56 CDT 2015


Not having seen the morning report, we were pleasantly surprised at the
increased variety of waterfowl present at the marsh today. Visible snoozing
on the far shore of the main lake, were the reported Tundra Swans, and
among them were several Ross' Goose. One or two of the latter finally got
active enough to show the characteristically "stubby" beak, that helps
distinguish them from Snow Geese. Also present were some of the many
Greater white-fronted Geese that had arrived earlier.

Another pleasant surprise were the two Greater Yellowlegs that landed while
we were there. They quickly scooted around the bend in the shoreline, so it
was hard to tell if they stayed. One of them was seen battling the fierce
wind in flight, and it made me wonder if they would expend energy traveling
in those conditions, given a choice.

Altogether, the variety of waterfowl was very rewarding. Besides the
Canadas Coots, and Mallards there were Scaup, Ring-necks, Northern
Shovelers, Gadwall, Ruddy Duck, and Bufflehead. Someone mentioned a
possible Harrier over the south field, where the kildeer abound. There were
also Pie-billed Grebe seen, but by then the wind had gotten the better of
us---and our scope.

New things will no doubt turn up tomorrow....but you might want to bring
along an anchor or some kind of ballast.
Good birding.
Linda Whyte
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