Skies appeared ominous as I pulled out of the driveway. Decided to pursue an alternate route to the Montezuma Audubon Center (MAC). Once passing the Potato House in the Savannah mucklands I drove up over the hill on Rt. 89. Hoped to chance upon the huge flock of blackbirds that we observed on November 2nd. No blackbirds but there was a Red-tailed Hawk perched in a tree on Rt. 89 just north of the Wiley Schoolhouse cross-section.
Red-tailed Hawk
Before turning on Messner Rd. and heading for Savannah drove west on Rt. 31 to a spot that I had once visited with Naturalist Dave Spier. Feeling that there were ducks here I approached cautiously. But my stealth was unsuccessful. Seven ducks sensed my coming and took off.
Pulling into Martens Tract put up several sparrows. There was a soccer Mom van in the parking area but no sounds of hunting or of birds.
Martens Tract
Returning on the Savannah-Spring Lake Road noticed ripples on the Malone Unit pond. Once out of the car saw a Pied-billed Grebe. It dove and I could not relocate it.
With the exception of a Great Blue Heron flying near Noga's Blind and 2 Redwing Blackbirds Colvin Marsh was still. Looking across the highway towards Crusoe Creek a Hairy Woodpecker was flitting from tree to tree.
Arriving at the MAC found Dave preparing for Project Feederwatch by doing a bird count at the French doors overlooking the outside bird feeders. Since Dave was called to attend an administrative meeting went outside for solo walk around the grounds.
Before heading into the woods planned to photograph some of the birds at the feeders. But what appeared to be a Northern Harrier flew by the woods and put the feasting birds to flight.
From the Observation Deck saw a Great Blue Heron fly out from the Merganser Marsh (North Pond) and a Red-tailed Hawk fly into the far woods and perch in a tree. The Northern Harrier also made a pass.
Looking East - North Pond & Observation Deck
Taking Trumpeter Trail I went towards the dead wood swamp. In the North Pond were 19 ducks. One was a Merganser but the others took flight before I could scope them out.
Swamp
Returning to the MAC along the path to the north of the woods saw several sparrows.
Before heading home thought to take a drove to Knox-Marcellus Marsh. Good idea. There at the bottom of the hill were 11 Sandhill Cranes feeding.
Continuing on the loop around stopped at May's Point. A lone sentinel - a Great Blue Heron.
In a tree just before the fishermen parking lot were perched 2 Ospreys.
Since it was starting to rain did not stop at the Refuge Visitor Center.
The Sandhill Cranes made it a good day.
No comments:
Post a Comment