Birds and Birders at the Wastewater Saturday

The Wastewater hosted at least 20 species of birds yesterday and more than that many bird-watchers.  Birds included the previously-reported Red Phalarope and Harlequin Duck; birders included people in a 15-vehicle caravan from Barry County Audubon, others in a 5-car group, and several driving around on their own.

Also notable were this blue morph Snow Goose and these Cackling Geese among the Canadas in Rapid Filtration Cell D7:

Cackling Geese much smaller than Canada Geese with

shorter necks, smaller beaks, and steeper angle where

beaks meet foreheads.

I also saw a flock of 75+ Snow Buntings and a male Northern Harrier at the center dike.

- Ric

Red Phalarope and Harlequin Duck

For the last few days two unique birds have been seen on the east lagoon at the Wastewater.  A Red Phalarope has been hanging around the pipe extending into the northwest corner of the lagoon and a Harlequin Duck in the southeast corner by the landfill.

Photo of Red Phalarope by Bailey Mitchell

Harlequin Duck Photos by Beth Miller