[birding] E.E. Wilson: Lots of hummers; winter birds hanging around

[Joel Geier]

Hi folks,

On a walk at E.E. Wilson this afternoon I heard and/or saw at least 8
RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS (not counting the three that are bickering over our
feeder at home). VIOLET-GREEN and TREE SWALLOWS are still numerous and
TURKEY VULTURES seem to increase by the day. However, there wasn't much
other sign of spring migrants, despite the nicer weather today.

A MERLIN was perched in a small oak along the road that runs E-W about
1/2 mile north of the canal pond, where a pair of kestrels usually are
(by a nest box which looks about the right size for kestrels). I didn't
see the kestrels today.

At least one WHITE-THROATED SPARROW is still around, consorting with
Golden-crowned Sparrows about 3/4 mile east of where I saw the Merlin.

Another GREAT HORNED OWL nest is occupied, and easily visible to the
east of the interpretive trail, where it passes under the big power
line.

The angling pond has a new look (no more willow shrubs, just bare banks
on the S and E sides), as part of a project to make it easier to catch
the stocked fish without leaving fishing lures & fishing line snagged
all over the place. The birds on the canal pond did not seem to mind
much.

Happy birding,
Joel

--
Joel Geier
Camp Adair area north of Corvallis