Chirps and Cheeps

I caught up with another group of Northern Saw-whet Owls on Sunday morning.  Jim A suspects the inclement weather the night before caused the fallout of these six saw-whets.

One little guy had a fresh and headless mouse (vole?) at his side and was sleeping quite contentedly. It's good to know they are eating well and getting the rest they need as they stop over for a night or two on their long journey.

I tried to find a couple groups of Greater White-fronted Geese in a couple of areas to no avail. They are eluding me and I hope I don't have another year's nemesis.  I DID get to see my third Northern Shrike of the weekend, though - almost making up for the missed goose!

Signs of spring were everywhere this weekend, including huge numbers of Snow Geese. It was an amazing spectacle when they all lifted off 100 Acre Pond in Mendon Ponds. The glittering of white and black shining in the sunlight was breathtaking.  I also saw 4 separate groups of Tundra Swans overhead in a few areas, with many milling about at 100 Acre Pond.

Other peoples' reports of early migrants are causing for some spring excitement. Already I've heard of a few Wilson Snipes that have been seen, Sandhill Cranes, Rusty Blackbirds, my biggest nemesis, an American Bittern, and American Woodcocks have been seen doing their spring "dance" and calling their "peent" sound! After this long, harsh winter, I am READY for a little bit of spring!