Snow Geese - Knox-Marsellus Marsh
The
Montezuma Audubon Center (MAC) had scheduled birding van tour for today from 9AM to 12PM.
Driving over McDonald Road as I came around the curve just passed Hejamada Campground noticed several waterfowl on the pond to my left. There were Ring-necked Duck, American Wigeon and Hooded Merganser swimming in the open water.
As I was about to depart 2 Eastern Bluebirds lit upon a bird box. These are my first sighting of bluebirds for 2012. Then a Red-wing Blackbird flew into the cattails. Also a first sighting for this year.
Turned left after crossing the railroad bridge in Savannah and made my way to Montezuma Muckrace Flats. There foraging among 45 Canada Geese were 13 Northern Pintails.
Way towards the back of the Flats was a bird that was difficult to identify. Then it took flight and came closer. My first killdeer sighting of the year.
Entering the MAC met a full parking lot. In the foyer,
Chris Lajewski, Education Manager at the MAC, was laying out the itinerary for the today's participants. Among those in attendance were Stephen Cannerelli, The Post-Standard photojournalist (
Photo Journal)
, Gary Tyson, birder and award-winning photographer from Wellsboro, PA,
David Figura, The Post-Standard
outdoors editor (Outdoor Blog), Alan Schenck and Beth Nicholas of Geneva, Chris from Pittsford, NY, Linda from Seneca Falls, and Rose from Syracuse, NY and her friend from Delhi, India.
With anticipation the 21 birders boarded the van or got into their own cars and the caravan began. Our first stop was
Knox-Marcellus Marsh. Here were 100s of Snow Geese and Canada Geese along with Northern Pintails, 2 immature eagles, a Killdeer and a Red-tail Hawk.
Next stop was Tschache Pool. There 3 immature eagles put on an aerial display. One of the eagles had a fish in its talons and the other two were attempting to steal it. The fish was eventually dropped and all three eagles went hungry. The lady from India directed my attention to a Tufted Titmouse that was hiding in the scrub.
The group headed back to the MAC and I took a detour to the Martens Tract, which was very quiet with the exception of an eagle way off to the east.
Movies:
Muckrace Flats
Knox-Marcellus Marsh
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