March 19, 2022: Kingfisher

This male belted kingfisher was near pond N on the evening of March 19th. (Tana Tesdall,3/19/22)

March 17, 2022: Spot the Difference?

Snow goose and Ross's goose on the south lake, see the difference? (X Wu, 3/16/22)

March 15, 2022: Greater White-fronted Geese

More than 200 Greater White-fronted Geese landed on the south lake ice.  They were part of four south-bound waves, totaling over 450 geese.  A colloquial name for these geese is "Speckle-belly", as evidenced by the black marks on the bellies.  Their orange bills, legs, and feet easily separate them from Canada Geese.  They are named for the white band at the base of their bills. (Wolf. Oesterreich, 3/13/22)

March 13, 2022: Diving Ducks

 
Two species of diving ducks, Ring-necked Ducks and Lesser Scaups, have been present on the south lake's open water for some time.  The Ring-necked Ducks are misnamed, as the ring around the bill is much more prominent than the "ring" around the neck.  Males also have a white crescent that separates the black breast from the gray sides.  For each species there are 5 males, 2 female Ring-necks, 1 female Scaup, and 1 female that could be either. (Wolf. Oesterreich, 3/13/22)