[birding] Finley, 2/7

[Lisa Millbank]

Finley, 2/7

At the prairie overlook this morning there were two NORTHERN SHRIKES, an adult and a youngster.  The shrikes and the WESTERN MEADOWLARKS were singing, although the constant barrage of gunfire from the shooting range to the north made it a bit difficult to enjoy.  (Charlton Heston surely would be proud of that place!)  A pair of WHITE-TAILED KITES were hanging around, and we watched a ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK hover while facing into the brisk northeast wind.  An adult BALD EAGLE flew by.

At Woodpecker Loop, a very busy female HAIRY WOODPECKER was working right beside the trail.  She let us get close and she frequently let out her loud "squeak" call.  Don has a video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7ELdSDzpsM.  We enjoyed watching a male and a female NORTHERN HARRIER.

At Cabell and McFadden Marshes, we didn't see or hear a single Tundra Swan.  A few weeks ago, there were hundreds.  I wonder if they'll be back.

Back at the prairie overlook, a PEREGRINE FALCON made a pass at some CACKLING GEESE out on the prairie.  He was unsuccessful, but tried again at another flock of cacklers.  He moved stealthily like a Cooper's Hawk, just gliding a few feet over the ground and lurking in a tree.  We met Sallie, the new refuge staff person, and we all watched for Short-eared Owls, with no luck tonight.       

For a couple of photos and a little bit about Brush Rabbits, see: 
http://groups.google.com/group/mid-valley-nature/browse_thread/thread/4ba01f1b29e7f634

Lisa 
www.neighborhood-naturalist.com    
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