Monday 3/8 WRDP Survey

[Melody Warner]

Second survey of the Williamson River Delta Preserve turned up some good species, similar to the last count: Black-billed Magpie, Red-Tailed Hawk, American Robin, Red-winged Blackbird, Say's Phoebe, Ross's Goose, Greater White-Fronted Goose (abundant), Canada Goose, Bufflehead, Tundra Swan (numerous flying overhead), Mallard, Ring-Billed Gull, Song Sparrow, Bald Eagle, Rough-legged Hawk (several, more numerous than red-tails), Northern Harrier, Northern Pintail, American Raven, Killdeer, Common Goldeneye, Canvasback, Western Meadowlark, Spotted Towhee, Starling, Brewer's Blackbird, Great Blue Heron, Sandhill Crane, American Widgeon, and Turkey vulture.

Some highlights were the many rough-legged hawks, including a gorgeous light morph. Also, there was a hawk that by consensus was determined to probably be a sharp-shinned, though no one could say for sure. It was smaller than a rough-legged, heavy mottling on the back, and a banded tail. The front wasn't seen. Any opinion on this bird would be welcome, as it was seen in an open field which is not it's usual habitat.

Thanks to everyone who helped!

Melody Warner