Red-throated Loon, Common Ravens and Redpolls, White-winged Scoter, Etc.

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A few recent highlights:

On Feb. 20, I saw a Red-throated Loon off Lake Harbor Park. This is the first loon of either species that I have seen in Muskegon County since Dec. 10.

The same day, there was a cooperative flock of 42 Common Redpolls feeding on alder cones at Hidden Cove Park. This provided my highest count of the species this winter.

Nearby, a Swamp Sparrow was calling from atop the cattails just east of Mona Lake, and a male Belted Kingfisher was stationed at the mouth of Black Creek.

A count of 87 Common Mergansers in the little open water at the east end of Mona Lake was my highest so far this year.

On Feb. 23 at Lake Harbor Park, I watched two Common Ravens fly south over the dunes. While the species is still rare in the county, the increase of sightings over the last several years is testament to the southward range expansion of the species.

- Male White-winged Scoter at White Lake Channel -

- Brian Johnson
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