Beautiful skies and another species

Amazing Aurora Borealis

Since my last post, I've taken another couple of trips back to Spring Lake in hopes of finding a new gull or duck for my green list. I left early in the morning with the thought of catching gulls on the water before they leave for feeding during the day. Both trips were chilly morning rides - which I guess I should get used to now! 

My first ride late last week did not produce anything on the water itself, despite my hopes being high that day - a cold front really had ducks and geese moving around and I was optimistic I'd see something new out floating on the lake that morning. The species and numbers had indeed changed - there were more loons and diving ducks overall. Nothing new on the water...but...while I was scanning the lake I heard a familiar call note overhead - Redpoll! I never saw the birds but enough to count it! Hopefully they will show up at the feeders for pictures once things REALLY get cold later - it's warmed up now, again. 

Our first, short-lived freeze. Shallow areas and sheltered coves locked up for a few days.

Yesterday was a holiday so I figured I'd give Spring Lake another shot, even if the wind direction (from the south and west) wasn't ideal for bringing in new migrants. Good to give it a go regardless. I got up a little earlier this time to make sure I got there when gulls were still there. I was treated to a lovely sunrise on the way over. I scanned the grasslands like I always do for a possible Short-eared Owl feeding in the dawn light - nada. It was a pleasant ride over with the breeze at my back part of the way.

A lovely sunrise over the grassland and marshes along the road


Unfortunately, that breeze picked up and was blowing right in my face once I arrived the lake. It wasn't comfortable, but at least the gulls were there this time. I scanned through several hundred birds. Almost 100% Ring-billed Gulls, and nothing new. Still early for those though. The waterfowl were less numerous, and all crowded into a protected cove. A handful of Trumpeter Swans, and good numbers of Common Goldeneyes, Lesser Scaup, Redheads, and Mallards, but not much else. I did flush SOMETHING from the conifers there though (while I wasn't looking). It flew away and was largeish - likely an owl, and maybe even a Long-eared Owl...but I couldn't confirm it. I looked in the trees and didn't see any whitewash or pellets. Good to keep an eye on it later. But that was that. I didn't stay as long as I normally do and rode home into a nasty headwind. My eyeballs were dried out afterwards!

I spent a little time kicking around conifers and tangles in the neighborhood in the afternoon, but didn't find anything except Northern Cardinals, Dark-eyed Juncos, and Black-capped Chickadees, among other common birds. The highlight of the day though wasn't birding, but the amazing aurora borealis that evening. I've never seen them anywhere close to as bright and colorful as they were yesterday, and to see from the yard without going anywhere was a bonus. A truly magical experience. 

Another aurora picture for good measure


Today, I noticed a little whitewash (patch of poop from a larger bird) in the conifers near the house, but didn't find any roosting owls. I think one is hunting around here though - I'll step up my searching. Otherwise, it will probably be a relatively low key next several days. It's going to be warm through the weekend and there really isn't much reason to get on the bike, so I'll give my legs a bit of a rest. Once it starts freezing though - it will be go time again. With the Redpoll added to my list, I'm at 237 species - just ONE SPECIES AWAY from tying Gregg Severson's record. I feel good about my chances with several weeks left. Once things start freezing, it will be worth watching the sewage ponds and Blue Lake outlet again. Those are on the way to work, so I can check them while biking in. Will be nice to do that commute again. Until next time!





 

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