April 6, 2016

On Wednesday morning we set out on a bird walk at Derway Island. We got there around 7:45 or 8 AM, and it was a cold and clear morning, around 25 or 30 degrees F. Ring-billed Gulls were making a lot of noise in the actual water treatment plant, but on the other side of the road was a wetland area where a lot of waterfowl were swimming. We immediately saw a few Wood Ducks, although they were quite sensitive to our presence and scared easily. A few Mallards were also swimming in the water, but my favorite sighting was of a Canada Goose guarding her eggs. She was also very aware of our presence and sat in a very defensive posture, with her neck down to the water and peering out. I got to see her through the spotting scope, which was very cool. Sean mentioned that her nest looked like she had done most of the building, as opposed to nesting on top of a muskrat lodge or another previously formed shelter.

On the Winooski River, we saw a muskrat or otter swimming on the other side, near the bank. Although I only got a brief glimpse before it disappeared, that was very exciting. We also saw an Osprey flying, with a freshly caught fish in its talons. I was very impressed by its unique wingstroke pattern, as it has adapted an extra joint in its wings for easier lift out of water.

The birds continue to be louder and more active with each excursion out into the woods, which is a sure sign of spring. On Tuesday morning I was out on a hike on Mt. Mansfield and noticed how loud the birds were, which I haven't heard all winter while hiking. I'm excited for even more sightings as spring progresses.

Posted on April 8, 2016 02:20 PM by kirsticarr