Horned Larks and Bald Eagles
Winter at Marian’s Marsh sees many of the birds disappear south. The Toussaint River often has enough open water to still draw some wintering holdovers, largely Canadian Geese and hundreds, if not thousands, of gulls. We had a fairly large number of Common Merganser in late February and frequent visits from Sandhill Cranes.
The first half of March often brings large populations of migrating waterfowl, but if they were present, I missed them. I was able to capture a small group including Ring-necked Duck, Wood Duck, and Green-winged Teal.
With one lonely American Coot.
We actually spotted some Great Blue Herons as early as January. Warmer weather has increased their numbers and patience on the Marsh brings with it great photo opportunities.
Red-winged Blackbirds have arrived and will be present in nearly uncountable numbers throughout spring and summer. Last year’s corn crop was a big draw, much to the chagrin of my father and the farmer.
The remaining corn stubble has lured in a fair number of Horned Lark. I prowled 80-acres of cornfield for a few hours to get one decent picture . . .
. . . only to have another plop down right next to the barn a few weeks later.
Ruby-crowned Kinglets are always a lead species indicating the Spring migration has begun and it will only be a matter of weeks before the warblers arrive.
The Bald Eagles are back for nesting again this year. This is at least 4 their fourth year. Late February was spent chasing off the juvenile delinquents.
But March has the couple settled in and nesting.
