The latest that I’ve observed Hooded Mergansers in the Wetlands was April 10 back in 2009 when a lone female was seen taking off from the water of the Wetlands, circled to gain altitude and left for points unknown. Typically, they leave by the last week in March. There have been 10-13 individuals in the Wetlands for the past several weeks, mostly females. There are three adult males and at least one male in immature plumage. The pair in theRead more
Posts tagged: #wetlands
People and Birds in the News
Last Wednesday (1/5/11) was a busy day here at the Museum. Besides the sightings of a Barred Owl, Red-shouldered Hawk, and Cooper’s Hawk, two other raptorial birds were seen on the trails of the outdoor areas. Master Teachers Meredith Cochran and Anna Engelke were spotted walking Christopher and Misha, the Museum’s Barred Owl and Red-tailed Hawk. Both the owl and the hawk are birds which were injured in the wild and whose injuries are such that they can not fendRead more
After the Snow
Just three shots of what Explore the Wild looks like two days after the unusually early snowfall of December 25-26, which is already beginning to melt. Enjoy the snow while it lasts.Read more
Tadpoles?!
It’s cold outside! The water of the Wetlands is frozen clear across the pond. The Hooded Mergansers have taken flight for larger bodies of water. I’ve seen the Belted Kingfisher fly in each day to inspect the pond for open water only to leave frustrated, its loud, raucous rattle filling the frigid air. The Great Blue Heron has stuck it out, staying on the fringes of the pond where it might find a small patch of open water. Is there any openRead more
Some Color
Some leaves. Through the trees. Some reflections. Changes occur quickly at this time of year so head out to Explore the Wild and watch it happen!Read more
The Look of the Wetlands
Descending down the boardwalk into the Wetlands… It’s worth the hike.Read more
Another Snow Day in the Wild
I’ve been working on a couple of new entries to the blog and had hoped to have them posted by now. The recent snow which came to town on January 30 closed the Museum for a few days and I haven’t had the time to complete my work. I did, however, manage to get a few photos of some interesting happenings out on the Outdoor Exhibits trails… Finding tracks in the snow is fun, but it’s fleeting. The snow thatRead more
At Home in the Wetlands
Two bird species that have become regular fixtures in the Wetlands, at least during the winter, are Red-shouldered Hawk and Hooded Merganser. Both species can be seen daily, or nearly so, depending on the weather conditions. The Red-shouldered Hawk is present year-round and is the most common hawk species seen at the Museum, often hunting from a perch somewhere in the Wetlands or up in the swamp between Catch the Wind and Explore the Wild on the back side ofRead more