Spring Fling

Lots of folks at the shack today, all of whom were treated to great views of up to 8 Red Necked Grebes, four Horned Grebes and 15 R B Merganser. A Common Loon also landed off the Point towards the end of the count and called a few times before heading off north. The total loon count was 104, and included 13 Red Throated. These seemed to become more frequent later on, the exact opposite of the Commons. Starting to wonder if a pattern might be developing there. Some nice diversity at the shack first thing with 2 Bufflehead, several L T Duck and Scaup sp and the first scoters of the count - 2 White Winged. A Pine Warbler flew around overhead calling for a few seconds and a Horned Lark showed well on the pebbles. 2 or 3 Tree Swallows headed east - good luck to them, hope the weather doesn't change! Nice to meet a couple of former counters too. On the way back after the count an Evening Grosbeak was showing superbly in a tree above the feeders, what a stonker!
Yesterday a good count of about 180 loons, many quite high due to the very light winds and good visibility. And great to see a Belted Kingfisher heading out over the lake.
A couple of evenings ago i had lovely views of 3 Hermit Thrush feeding by the roadside, what utterly gorgeous birds. Sadly Mike Fitz spotted one dead on the shoulder on the way home from last nights dinner at the Falls. A very enjoyable evening nonetheless in great company.