Saginaw County 30 Nov 07

[Dmcwhir513 at aol.com]

Chatsters -

  Yesterday, since I was in the general area visiting my Mom, I decided to 
take in the Short-eared Owl tour at Shiawassee NWR.  Many thanks to the refuge 
staff for facilitating such visits - it's always a treat to have access.

   Since there was time before the tour, I did a brief check of the sewage 
lagoons at Hemlock.  Given the cold nights, the lagoons were mostly frozen 
except for the rotating spray circles in the NW lagoon.  This lagoon held about 90 
actively feeding Northern Shovelor, two Bonaparte's Gull, and a flock of 
Canada Goose.  As I was scanning, I realized there was a Cackling Goose, no, 4 .... 
no, 10 .... nope, wait a minute, 20-22 Cackling Goose.  Biggest group I've 
seen and great close views.

   The owl tour was ably led by Larry Abraham and had about 10 participants 
in 4 vehicles.  It was still a bit windy and we ended up with only a few 
distant S-e Owl silhouettes.  However, we did encounter one of the largest gull 
concentrations I've seen in one area in Michigan, 15-20,000 birds milling around 
and sitting along the river and in adjacent fields and ponds.  Maybe 75% 
Herring, the rest Ring-billed with a few Bonaparte's and one nice adult Lesser 
Black-backed Gull.  There may have been other "rare" gulls, but we did not have 
time for a long stare and sort.  With plenty of Mallard, some Black Duck, and a 
few Common Mergs mixed in, it was quite the spectacle and a welcome break from 
the routine.

Take care.    - Doug McWhirter



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