Cold Morning in Ottawa County

Properly bundled for the northwest wind I found fifteen winter bird species in Ottawa County this morning.  Couldn't find the Red-headed Woodpeckers at Ottawa Sands County Park; just Red-bellied and Downy.  The Bald Eagles were at their nest again this year.  A third adult soared over the south end of the park; I don't know how it fit into the family.

Entering Ottawa Sands County Park

Bald Eagle pair at their nest.

Various ducks swam in the Grand River Channel from Harbor Island out to Lake Michigan.  I saw six White-winged Scoters (two male; four female).  Most numerous were Red-breasted Mergansers.

Female White-winged Scoter

Female Red-breasted Merganser "wearing a mask"!

- Ric

Harbor Island

Peregrine Falcon

Red-winged Blackbird

I spent a little time at Harbor Island this morning and the Red-winged Blackbirds are back.  I also found this Peregrine Falcon eating what looks like a Hooded Merganser.

- Charlie DeWitt

Interesting "Yard Bird"

Good to hear from Travis Dewys again.  He sent this iPhone photo yesterday of a Red-shouldered Hawk "hiding" behind a tree in his back yard in Grand Haven.

- Ric