An Early March Bird Walk

I am plugging away on Heart in Hand's "2011 Collector's Heart".

Last Wednesday my mom and I went on a bird walk led by Wild Birds Unlimited. 

We headed out to Kirk Pond near Fern Ridge Reservoir.

I was pleased to see an American White Pelican.

There is something so prehistorically cool about pelicans!

The pelican had been leading a convoy of Cormorants.

There were several kinds of ducks including Great Scaups.

The males are leading while the female brings up the rear.

Tree Swallows swooped above the pond calling out with their liquid trill as they caught and ate insects.

It great to see these lovely birds return for the spring and summer.  I am hoping that a pair or two will come my way and nest in the houses I have set up for them.

It was a short walk over to the Fern Ridge dam and spill-way.

There we saw a new to me bird - a Spotted Sandpiper.

Back at Kirk Pond we saw a group of Common Mergansers (to the right). These shy birds flew away as we approached.

We also saw one of my favorite birds - a male Belted Kingfisher.

As might be expected, there were oodles of Canada Geese.

There was also a nice group of American Wigeons. 

The brush and trees surrounding the pond had lots of activity too.

We heard a Bewick's Wren and a Marsh Wren, though we were not able to see the birds.  Above is a Black-capped Chickadee - not  bashful like the wrens.

We also saw several Golden-crowned Kinglets.

And this Spotted Towhee sang us good bye as we returned to our cars.

A good outing!