Hello!

Nimisila Reservoir in Summit Co. continues to hold big numbers of “Bay Ducks” as migration continues.  At the top end here, 2000+ Lesser Scaup and an additional 800+ Scaup species with their heads tucked this morning.  In the hundreds (several north of 500) included Ring-necked, Redheads, and as has been the case this season big numbers of Canvasbacks.  This morning from my car I photographed a hen Canvasback select a mate from about 6-7 suitors and slowly sink low in the water allowing the drake to mate with her.  I wonder if divers are always as “gentle” as this observation?  Dabblers are, uh, often much more aggressive and not always fun to watch.

Good numbers (50+) of Goldeneye continue as well with many drakes displaying for prospective mates.  Only 5 Horned Grebes seen, and no Loons.  A nice little raft of Red-breasted Mergansers were also present with one female foraging only 10’ from my car, allowing me to see her hunt under water for a moment!  That was amazing!!!

I also observed a pair of Trumpeter Swans perform a courtship display.  I’ve seen a lot of Trumpeters this year, particularly at Nimisila, none of which were wing-tagged or neck banded.  No Tundras today.

Dabbler numbers remain generally low right now, but there were some Gadwall, Am. Wigeon, Wood Ducks, and Pintails.  Coots are present in good numbers.  Only 3 Pied-billed Grebe seen.

Nothing rare seen, except for high counts on most all Bay Ducks.  Woodland birds are singing and Phoebes are around making a resourceful go of it.

Happy birding!

Jon Cefus 


Sent from my iPhone
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