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Spring 2003
Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis)
| Date |
Observer |
Field
Report |
|---|---|---|
| 4-2-03 | A. Cassini | It was a cold day with a hard wind blowing from the north, showing that winter is not quite ready to give up its hold. I took the time to walk the woods. Dark-eyed Juncos, White-breasted Nuthatches and Blue Jays were all active in the area. Red-bellied Woodpeckers and Downy Woodpeckers continued on about their noisy business, while a slightly more quiet species, as suggested by its name searched the bark as well: the Brown Creeper. Golden-crowned Kinglets, despite their tiny size, boldly approached trees that were only meters away from me. This afforded me a wonderful look at the bright colors that give them their name. Black-capped Chickadees continued on despite of the gloomy weather, and gently reminded this observer that tomorrow always has the possibility of being sunny. |
| 4-1-03 | A. Cassini | It was an amazing day at the point, filled with a plethora of returning species (and resident species.) Today, I saw the first Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) of the year! Other woodpecker species included Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Downy Woodpeckers, and Hairy Woodpeckers. Today brought the return of the first Golden-crowned Kinglets at the point. The familiar calls of the Blue Jays and Northern Cardinals could be heard in the background. There were Morning Doves, American Robins, White-breasted Nuthatches, Black-capped Chickadees, and Fox Sparrows. A Winter Wren was seen deep in the woods, while a House Finch was seen calling from a power line near the road. Ducks (many of the same species mentioned in earlier reports) filled the bay with truly overwhelming numbers. It is an impressive sight! |
| 3-26-03 | A. Cassini | It was late morning, and a chill was in the air. Partial cloud cover created a dismal morning, but the bird activity brightened things up considerably. Sandhill Cranes flew over with long graceful strokes of their beautiful wings. They were calling, and another group responded from the open beach at the point. Common Grackles filled the air with their metallic calls against the background of a marsh full of Red-winged Blackbirds. But it was the ducks that really stole the show that day. American Black Ducks and Mallards were plentiful out on the bay. Killdeers were busy calling from the exposed mud flats. ( The water in the bay is very low.) Other ducks in the bay included Northern Pintails, Bufflehead, and Redheads. The lagoon still has an open patch of water and offered an exciting view of Northern Shovelers, Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal and Hooded Mergansers ( which could be heard vocalizing their distinct purring croak.) The ducks held tight to the pond, as two adult Bald Eagles passed over head. I continued walking, when my attention was drawn to the angry cawing of a murder (the name given to a group of crows) of American Crows. Just then, a large burst of tan broke from the trees to escape the harassment; it was a Great Horned Owl. I followed the silent flyer with my binoculars and watched in amazement at the trouble he was receiving from the crows. It was not until a Red-tailed Hawk passed over the tree tops, that they abandoned their quest of driving the owl out of their territory and focused on the new threat. Once the Red-tailed Hawk was safely out of range, they quickly returned to the task at hand. It made for exciting bird watching. |
| 3-24-03 | A. Cassini |
I decided to go for an evening walk out at the point. It was a beautiful afternoon, with clear skies and a warm air reminding us that spring is really trying to arrive. Wood Ducks were on the lagoon, along with Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal, and Northern Shovelers. Ring-necked Ducks, Common Goldeneyes, Lesser Scaup, Mallards and American Black Ducks could all be seen out on the bay. Sandhill Cranes were seen standing on the beach as Ring-billed Gulls passed overhead. Dark-eyed Juncos flitted about, as the sweet sound of the Northern Cardinal filled the air, offering another reminder that spring really is on its way. |
Biodiversity Topics: Introduction . Plants . Animals . Mammals . Birds . Reptiles & Amphibians . Arthropods . Spiders . Insects
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for Biodiversity and the University of Wisconsin Green Bay,
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Last
updated on
May 19, 2004