[birding] Philomath sewage treatment ponds

[Lisa Millbank]

We took a ride out to the Philomath sewage treatment ponds after hearing all the reports about the unusual birds showing up there.
Along with the HEERMANN'S GULLS (who were departing to the west around 4PM), COMMON GOLDENEYE, and RED-NECKED PHALAROPE, we saw an EARED GREBE.  The phalarope sure was a cute, perky little guy, spinning around and picking up delicious nibbles out of the poo lagoon.  He didn't care at all as we slowly walked by. (Picture of phalarope at http://groups.google.com/group/mid-valley-nature/browse_thread/thread/45bd91d03f3b33b5)
A congregation of NORTHERN SHOVELERS, LESSER SCAUPS, RING-NECKED DUCKS, and AMERICAN WIGEONS seemed to have found a rich food source in the middle of the south pond.  There were lots of RUDDY DUCKS, BUFFLEHEADS, AMERICAN COOTS, and a few HOODED MERGANSERS.   
We missed out on Barrow's Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser, Leach's Storm-Petrel, and Bonaparte's Gull reported by others today.  I always worry about birds who get blown in by storms or otherwise go off-course.  I'd much rather they got on their way and back to where they want to be, even if that means we don't get to see them.
Lisa
www.neighborhood-naturalist.com

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