South Spring Pool
Left the driveway a little before 8 AM. Turning onto McDonald Road moved 3 American Crows off the shoulder. As they took flight they were joined by 5 more crows.
Drove into the Potato House parking area around 8:15 AM. There just off to the northwest were 300+ Snow Geese. Watched them for a half an hour. During this time the flock went airborne and pirouetted over the mucklands before ascending again.
Reached Martens Tract about 9:15 AM. As I left the car an Eastern Bluebird flew in and perched on the Refuge's #29 telephone call sign. Saw this bird again as it was preening on a bush.
Before visiting the Montezuma Audubon Center (MAC) pulled into the Crusoe Creek canoe launch. There I flushed up a Great Blue Heron.
At the MAC chatted with Chris. Chris pointed out on the MAC refuge map where American Bald Eagle were sighted during a survey held this week. He mentioned that 2 Juvenile Bald Eagles were seen on Armitage Road and 1 at Mays Point. These two spots would be my next destinations.
Motoring to the eagle sightings I saw the Kestrel that is usually on the telephone wires on Messner Road. Took a photo of the bird though the windshield since a loud truck was approaching. Good thing because the rumble of the exhaust forced the kestrel off its perch.
Sadly to say that I did not see any eagles today.
Drove up to the gate at Tschache Pool. There was a large white bird far off in the fields. Could not identified it.
Last stop - South Spring Pool. It was frozen as were all the waterways today.
The weather may be abnormal but it does provide for pleasant birding conditions.
