Based on the replies I received to my recent requests for Brownsville
swan information, we decided to make a trip down there today
(Saturday). We were somewhat disappointed, because we saw far fewer
tundra swans than in some recent years, but happy that we got to see and
hear well over 1000 of them from the first (new) overlook south of
Brownsville. Unfortunately, the backwaters are freezing up, so no
swans, and few other waterfowl, were close to the overlook. Most swans
were several hundred yards away, as were most of the ducks, so a scope
is almost a necessity for duck ID.
Other waterfowl of interest that we could identify from the overlook(s):
ring-necked ducks
scaup
common goldeneye - dozens
pintails - several dozen, but none close to the overlook
buffleheads - a few, all far out, but some identifiable with binoculars
hooded mergansers - dozens, some fairly close
Am. wigeon - 6-8, mostly at the second (old) overlook, farther south
black duck - 1
We didn't see any redheads, canvassbacks, shovelers, or ruddies. Saw a
couple possible gadwalls, but at too great a distance. And no pelicans.
We saw lots of bald eagles, mostly subadults. We made no attempt to
count them, but they seemed to be on every island and bar, often in
groups. We probably saw well over 100 between the new overlook and the
lower end of Pool 8.
---Ron Refsnider
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