Tschache Pool had a good diversity of dabbler ducks and some divers. Unfortunately, the lone Eurasian wigeon was seen in the farthest area, way in the back of Tschache. I’m hoping that the eagles will push it closer to the tower. Many times, they had the ducks on the move. We must have caught a migration of common mergansers because we had over 120. They seemed to be everywhere in the unit!  Many of the ducks, osprey and both immature and adult bald eagles were able to be seen from the tower. There are still good views of the heron colony from the tower as well.

  Knox-Marsellus and Puddler Marshes had a good diversity of dabbler ducks and some divers too. A lone sandhill crane flew in to the western edge of Knox. We searched from East Road, hoping to see a mate on a nest or making a nest.  No luck, but we will keep an eye out for that.

  I am including a picture of a small flock of blue-winged teal. Check out the one on the right that is looking directly at my camera.  Also, I’m including pics of a pair of common mergansers, trumpeter swans and an immature bald eagle.  The eagle looks like a second year, based on plumage, with not much yellow on the bill. It seemed to be giving me a look indicating it was not impressed with my presence there!  I wonder if that was the eagle that flushed the ducks so Pete couldn’t see the Eurasian wigeon!!

 I know that Mother Nature has made birding a challenge so far this Spring.  But maybe you will get a window of weather that will allow you to get out to the trails, towers, or Wildlife Drive.

 ENJOY, be respectful and safe.