Cackling Geese et al., Muskegon Wastewater, 20 Oct 2004

[Caleb Putnam]

Birders-

20 Oct 2004, 1130-1600 hrs
A fine afternoon at Muskegon Wastewater, Muskegon County.  No major rarities 
but several interesting birds.  Highlights:

CACKLING GOOSE- at least 20-30 Richardson's types in with the 1000's of 
Canadas present
Golden Eagle- 1 in field north of east impoundment, about 1/2 mile e. of 
headquarters
Lesser Black-Backed Gull- 1 adult @ dump
Snow Goose- 15+ adults, both blue and white morphs
Lapland Longspur- several flying around east impoundment
Rusty Blackbird- at least 4 in massive Red Winged flock, N. of e. 
impoundment
Pectoral Sandpiper- 22 juv, especially along center dike
Dunlin- 22 juv. scattered
SPOTTED SANDPIPER- 1 late juv., SW corner of west impoundment
Sanderling- 2 juv
Greater Yellowlegs- 1 center dike
Black-Bellied Plover- 2 juv
Savannah Sparrow- 1 on center dike, getting late
Peregrine Falcon- 1 @ center dike trying for Pectorals
Rough-Legged Hawk- 1
Eared Grebe- 1 in NE corner of east impoundment

Also had 1 adult mystery gull at the dump- same size as Herring, mantle 
CLEARLY 1-2 shades darker than smithsonianus Herring (about like 
California), but with pink legs, dark iris, and very bulky bill w/ heavy 
gonydeal angle.  Bill yellow with red spot toward tip.  Way too much black 
in primaries for Thayer's.  If anyone else can refind this bird it's worth a 
second look.  I dare not venture a guess on this one.

Good Birding,
Caleb Putnam

Caleb G Putnam
Grand Rapids, MI
larus10 at hotmail.com

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