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Several ML Birders from the Lumberton Campus picked a sunny and relatively mild day to venture out to the Forsythe NWR to get a last look at wintering ducks, Snow Geese and any surprises that might await us. Northern Shovelers and Black Ducks were most numerous, although fair numbers of Green-winged Teal and Pintails were also seen. Buffleheads, Gadwall, Hooded Mergansers, Ruddy Ducks, Ring-necked Ducks, American Wigeon, Mallards and a nice flock of Canvasbacks, all were observed. Large numbers of Snow Geese were still around, some flying, some sitting close to the loop road for easy observation.
We were noting the absence of shorebirds when we saw a lone American Avocet standing in shallow water. We usually see them during migration and they winter along the Atlantic Coast but south of New Jersey.
The highlight of the day was four Bald Eagles (2 adult and 2 immature). One of the adult eagles was bold enough to sit atop a solitary cedar along the loop road, just posing for our observation and photographing.
Other raptors seen were several Northern Harriers and a Red-tailed Hawk.
Since the restaurants were not an option for us we got our lunch at a WAWA and enjoyed eating it off the beaten path with sweeping views of the salt marsh.
Participants: Ethel Cebra, Holly Hoffman, Robert Koch and Laurie Larson.
Text: RK; Photos: RK, LL.
Bird List:
Species Total: 42
Snow Goose
Brant
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Northern Shoveler
Gadwall
American Wigeon
Mallard
American Black Duck
Northern Pintail
Green-winged Teal
Canvasback
Ring-necked Duck
Bufflehead
Hooded Merganser
Ruddy Duck
Mourning Dove
American Coot
American Avocet
Laughing Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Black Vulture
Turkey Vulture
Belted Kingfisher
American Crow
Tree Swallow
Carolina Wren
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
House Finch
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Boat-tailed Grackle
