March Birds at the Preserve - Spring is here

Juvenile Cooper's Hawk

Even if the temperatures don't tell us so, the birds know that spring is coming. Many have arrived either to stay, like the cranes, or are on they way further north, waiting out the fierce winds of the day, this March 31. These winds are finally breaking up the ice on Lake Mendota, expanding the feeding grounds on the bay for the many ducks on their way further north. On March 30, you couldn't row a boat yet from Picnic Point to Maple Bluff, which is the official indicator for the Lake Mendota opening. But tomorrow, it won't be an April Fools joke if you boast you will kayak across the lake. This is the time to enjoy the many birds. An hour's walk easily produces over 30 bird species. Come and see yourself. And enjoy the photos of this month's by Mike Bailey who is sharing his stunning eBird posts with us. Thank you Mike!!

Mourning Dove

Sandhill Crane. Landing in the marshy area next to the entrance of Picnic Point.