Feb 20, 2012: Erv's Field Notes #25

Cattails east of southwestern wetland, 2/17/12 (Kevin Kane)

Monday, February 20, 2012, 12:30 to 1:30 pm. Cloudy, brisk south wind, Temperature 42 degrees F.

North lake is still frozen with some open water along the edges. Ice fishing has stopped as warm days have weakened the ice. The south lake is about one-third open water.

The number of geese has declined since last Friday. Today I estimated 250 Canada Geese, about 20 Cackling Geese, and 1 White-fronted Goose. Mallards are holding at about 200. While scanning the flock on the edge of the ice, I spotted a male Canvasback duck swimming nearby. A few minutes later, seven more Canvasbacks (three females and four males) flew over the lake several times and then landed on the far western edge of the open water. The single "can" began swimming toward them and eventually joined up with them. Three male Lesser Scaup then flew in and landed near the Canvasbacks. When I completed my walk around the south lake these 11 ducks were all on the east end of the open water. I also saw an adult Bald Eagle fly over the lake.

Erv Klaas