March has finally come, but February is still hanging on strong. Temperatures have been staying at 10 degrees, and the snow is still accumulating. Hard to believe than in a couple weeks we should start hearing woodcocks and phoebes! Today I decided to go and try to find the Long-tailed Duck and Red-necked Grebe at Tassel Park. Upon arriving, I saw that another birder had come jus before I. Even though I am birding "all the time", I rarely meet other birders. I just know so many names from all the sightings on Ebird, and never a face to the name. The birder was Elliot Nelson, one of the top birders in the county; ranked second for the year on Ebird. The first birds seen were Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and Yellow-rumped Warbler; both rare for this time of year. The trip was already worth it, adding a couple year birds to the list that weren't even expected. After looking at the river for a few minutes, both targets were spotted. Unfortunately, the grebe kept his head down for the majority of the time. After talking a bit with Elliot, I thought that I would try for the American Wigeon and Northern Pintail on Grand River Drive. Again, the day was going easy. Both were there, including Gadwall. Easily, the most year birds I have had in one day this year! With spring coming (maybe), I only have two main targets left: Northern Shrike (Tried for 3 times already; Possible) and Rough-legged Hawk (Tried for once: Possible).
American Wigeon
http://www.flickr.com/photos/118311828@N08/12892148665/
Northern Pintail
http://www.flickr.com/photos/118311828@N08/12892181575/
Yellow-rumped Warbler
http://www.flickr.com/photos/118311828@N08/12892678764/
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
http://www.flickr.com/photos/118311828@N08/12892465855/
Red-necked Grebe
http://www.flickr.com/photos/118311828@N08/12892730594/
Long-tailed Duck
http://www.flickr.com/photos/118311828@N08/12892774644/
Michigan Year List: 55 species
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