It’s Beginning to Feel Like Spring…

A male Hooded Merganser at Schervier Pavilion in Warwick NY, 3/11/14.
A male Hooded Merganser at Schervier Pavilion in Warwick NY, 3/11/14.

It was an absolutely gorgeous day and I could barely wait to get out of work to do some birding. Today was the first day that felt like spring to me and I took advantage by heading over to Warwick, NY to look for waterfowl. My first stop was at the pond across from Town Hall where I did well, accumulating 7 species waterfowl: Canada Geese (15), Mallards (12), Ring-necked Ducks (22), Wood Ducks (3), Gadwall (5), Hooded Mergansers (3) and a single Green-winged Teal.

An accommodating Gadwall across from Warwick Town Hall, 3/11/14.
An accommodating Gadwall in the pond across from Warwick Town Hall, 3/11/14.

My next stop was at Schervier Pavilion in Warwick, which has a small pond that apparently gets Hooded Mergansers regularly. Nine were present today and they were joined by 2 Canada Geese, 4 Mallards, and 1 Ring-necked Duck.

The Hooded Mergansers at Schervier Pavilion were relatively confiding.
The Hooded Mergansers at Schervier Pavilion were relatively confiding.
Female Mallard at Schervier Pavilion, 3/11/14.
Female Mallard at Schervier Pavilion, 3/11/14.

Finally, I did some driving around the black dirt region to see what I could find. It ended up being a banner night with three species of owl: Snowy Owl (1), Short-eared Owl (3), and Great Horned Owl (1 heard). Additionally, I got my first Killdeer (3) of the season for Orange County:

I had my first Orange County Killdeer of the year on this day - 3 in the Black Dirt and 4 at Lower Wisner Road in Warwick. 3/11/14.
I just love these birds! I had my first Orange County Killdeer of the year on this day – Black Dirt Region,  3/11/14.

 

 

 

2 thoughts on “It’s Beginning to Feel Like Spring…”

  1. HI Matt, I just went by those ponds in Warwick this AM. In addition to the ducks you mentioned, there are now some beautiful Pintails!

    I enjoy your website! All the best, Richard

    1. Richard,

      Thanks for the update and I’m glad you are enjoying the website. Take care, Matt.

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