A perfect day at Dead Creek is just what was needed for a successful 
community bird watch.  In total, we tallied 38 species!!  Amazing, prolonged 
looks at an immature Bald Eagle directly above at only 80 yards was the 
highlight.  Other notables were 2 Rough-legged Hawks, 3 Red-tailed Hawks, 
Pileated and Red-bellied Woodpeckers (Red-bellied by voice; churrr-churrr), 
about 15 Horned Larks, 1 Osprey, 1 American Kestrel, and roughly 1,000 
migrating Canada Geese and 2,000 migrating Snow Geese.  Most of the Snow 
Geese were parked in a field at the elbow of the Farrell Access Road and 
provided great looks of standing, flying, and landing birds; quite similar to the 
goose viewing area in October.  Also, several 'Blue Geese' were mixed in with 
the Snow's which allowed for great comparissons.  Oh, Pat, just after you left 
Stone Dam we were buzzed by 3 Tree Swallows.  A list of other birds 
encountered follows.  Thanks again to all those who participated in this weeks 
trip.  Next week we are going back to the Milton Town Forest.  Contact me off-
list if you are interested in attending.

Black-capped Chickadee, Dark-eyed Junco, House Sparrow, American Tree 
Sparrow, Song Sparrow, American Robin, European Starling, Red-winged 
Blackbird, Common Grackle, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Northern Harrier, 
Turkey Vulture, Mallard, American Black Duck, Wood Duck, Bufflehead, Common 
Merganser, Killdeer, Great Blue Heron, Northern Cardinal, White-breasted 
Nuthatch, Downy Woodpecker, American Crow, Common Raven, Mourning 
Dove, and Wild Turkey (off I-189).

Roger Masse
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