[Mnbird] lower 9-Mile Creek/MN R birds/Tree Swallows

[linda whyte]

(from the Lyndale access lot to the mouth of 9-Mile Creek)
Despite low temps and high winds, there was vigorous bird activity from
mid-morning on. Numerous Juncos were moving through, along with a few Brown
Creepers and some Golden-crowned Kinglets. Among the many Chickadees, there
was a single glance at what appeared to be a Ruby-crowned Kinglet, but it
wasn't re-found for confirmation.

Song Sparrows were vocalizing everywhere (and spring peepers in a wet area,
to my disbelief, given the chill), but there was still a stray Tree Sparrow
or two. Mourning Doves and many Robins were calling while foraging along
the dirt road. One Eastern Phoebe was working along the river bank; like
one seen at Hidden Falls yesterday, it made barely any sound, but did its
usual perching with tail-bob
.
The newest arrivals were the many Tree Swallows foraging over the lake on
either side of the dike that leads to the bridged trail over the creek. It
must have been tough hunting. Every so often, a number of them would
descend to sit on a muddy patch of the dike, to rest and warm up in the sun.

The raptors of the day were the two soaring Bald Eagles, and one snoozing
Barred Owl, sunning itself against a tree trunk on the north side of the
lake.
There was no time to proceed up the creek; I listened a bit for the usual
Belted Kingfisher, since there had been one on the Mississippi at Watergate
Marina yesterday. None were heard or seen today.
Linda Whyte
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