We took a quick morning drive to the Sandbar on the off chance of spotting 
an early-arriving Osprey. No such sighting occurred, but on the way up we did 
see a Redtail just south of Chimney corners on route 2.
At the Sandbar the water levels were far below those of most years at this 
time, but that didn't seem to bother the Mallards. They were very much in 
evidence on the North side of the road East of the State Park entrance.
Also present were a goodly number of Canada geese and a few Black ducks.
On the way back we saw only a single pair a Mallards and a single pair of 
Canada geese on the south side of the road.
In the open water between the parking area across from the park entrance, 
and the ice to the south was a group of common Mergansers - mostly males.
On the way home via I89 saw 2 Redtails at Mallet's creek on opposite sides of 
the road. 1 more in Williston (still on I89) just west of the rest area. This is 
the first year that I've seen Redtails along that stretch of road.

Denis & Maria Poley, Richmond, VT