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gregdodge

Mergs and other Birds

On Wednesday (11/3) there were four Hooded Mergansers in the Wetlands, two males and two females.

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A male Hooded Merganser.

A group of 8-9 Canada Geese dropped in for a few hours on Wednesday as well. Although these geese are of a non-migratory population, they’re usually absent during the summer months, returning in November.

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Six of the eight or so geese that dropped into the Wetlands.

And, speaking of mutt ducks…

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These two odd Mallards have been together for several years. They’ve been absent most of the summer and early fall (male on left).

There were many Yellow-rumped Warblers and Ruby-crowned Kinglets working over the Mimosas next to the mid-way landing on the boardwalk Wednesday (11/3).

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A butter butt (Yellow-rumped Warbler) gives a look my way while foraging through the mimosa leaves.
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Ruby-crowned Kinglets don’t often sit still waiting to be photographed. Frenetic is a word that’s often used to describe their behavior.

Seen this past week, and for the first time this season, were Hermit Thrush (10/30), Winter Wren (11/3), and Chipping Sparrow (11/3). I’m still waiting for a Purple Finch or Pine Siskin to show up, they’ve been reported in the state recently.

Another bird (sort of) arrived yesterday as well. Unlike some of the other species who skulk around in the underbrush, or flutter about high up in the tree tops, this bird is easy to spot, usually foraging out in the open. Here’s a photo to help with identification:

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A Parasaurolophus, absent for most of the summer, came in on the back side of a cold front (11/3).

A parting shot…

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Surprised by my quiet approach, a Hooded-Merganser steams for the far side of the Wetlands.

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