Today Susan, Gary, and I headed up the lake on a birding venture. Following
are the highlights. I did not list all the birds we saw. Most places we
stopped had the same ducks. Someone told us that the two WESTERN GREBES are
still at Harris Park.
Myers Point we saw 4 BONAPARTE'S GULLS. Two flew up the lake and two sat on
the mudflats. 3 or 4 COMMON LOONS, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, KILLDEER were there.
Driving by the Deer check Station on Rte 90 Susan spotted a possible BROWN
TRASHER, which we stopped for. It was one. It sang very nicely for us and
gave us great looks. There was also a FIELD SPARROW calling.
Martin's Tract in Savannah there were very vocal COMMON GALLINULE
(MOORHEN), AMERICAN COOTS, PIED-BILLED GREBES, and a VIRGINIA RAIL railed
on for quite a time. No other rails or bitterns called. There were ducks on
the pond, but I didn't list them.
Across from Muckrace Flats on a large pond, Susan saw a large white bird.
GREAT EGRET! That was the only one we saw that day. There was also
NORTHERN SHOVELER, BLUE-WINGED TEAL, WOOD DUCK and AMERICAN WIGEON there.
We stopped by Railroad Road to see if it had more water in it, but it
didn't. On the pond there were MUTE SWANS, TRUMPETER SWANS, more dabbling
ducks, AMERICAN COOTS, and SWAMP SPARROWS. We did not hear Marsh Wren.
Towpath Road was a treat. A BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON flew from the first
dike as you drive onto Towpath. We also had GREAT BLUE HERONS, BLUE-WINGED
TEAL, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, OSPREY, a COOPER'S HAWK scaring up the Icterids,
and NORTHERN HARRIER.
The last place we stopped (besides the Creamery) was the visitor's center
at Montezuma. Gary was the only one that saw a PURPLE MARTIN. I will wait
for that one. At Bennings Marsh the high count for WILSON'S SNIPE was 63
by Gary. There were 5 or 6 GREATER AND LESSER SANDPIPERS, and 7 PECTORAL
SANDPIPERS. No Dunlin today.
During the trip, we saw many raptors and TURKEY VULTURES. Tomorrow might be
a good time for Mt. Pleasant or actually anyplace you may want to go.
Good Birding,
Ann
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