Good Geese and Ducks at the Wastewater

There are reliable reports online of a diversity of ducks plus a Greater White-fronted Goose and a Cackling Goose at the Wastewater today.

Shorebirds Tuesday at the Wastewater

Sept. 21 Email to Muskegon County Listers:

I spent a short time this evening driving the dikes at Muskegon Wastewater.  A couple birds of note were 8 black-bellied plovers hanging with a few sanderlings on the big pipe near the north end of the center dike.  Also, at least three American golden plovers in cell D3 which is wet again and attracting birds. 

- Chip Francke

Backyard Confrontation

This afternoon Carol looked out the back window and saw two birds atop our neighbor's tree which all birds seem to love.  One was an American Crow, the other a young accipiter, probably a female Sharp-shinned Hawk (blurry photo below taken through the window).  The crow cawed frequently, perhaps hoping to attract more crows.

Instead it attracted a Pileated Woodpecker which also began vocalizing ("kek, kek, kek").  

Then the woodpecker flew toward the hawk and perched further left in the tree.

The birds stayed in this configuration awhile until the hawk chased the woodpecker off its perch.

This riled the woodpecker into flying around and around the top of the tree screaming angrily before finally departing.  A minute later the crow flew away, and soon after so did the hawk.

"Here's Looking at You" Again

Bruce Delamarter sends another photo (see "Looking Over Its Shoulder" below) of an American Kestrel yesterday in one of the Rapid Filtration Basins at the Wastewater.

36 Species on September 18 Field Trip

 On our monthly field trip yesterday we found 36 bird species at two Ottawa County locations.  A report and photos are posted on our homepage.

Muskegon County Birding Listserv

"If you are a birder in Muskegon County, you might want to join the Muskegon County birds listserv that was started by Beth Miller some time ago  If you want to join, email Beth at glenabeth@gmail.com.  You will receive more info after you join."   - Chip Francke

Kestrel "Looking Over Its Shoulder"

Bruce Delamarter photographed this American Kestrel on the Wastewater properties Saturday morning.  The photo clearly shows the "false face" that may protect kestrels from larger raptors who think they're already looking at them.

Wildlife on the River

Yesterday Kevin Feenstra sent these photos which he took over the last several days up on the Muskegon River.  Looks like damselflies, turtle, and ospreys.  If anyone sends more specific I.D.'s, we'll post them.  As always, Keven, thanks!

Merlin with Prey

September 5 Email:

"North end of Swanson @ W.W."

- Bruce Delamarter