Feeding Frenzy on University Bay

Tundra swan on University Bay. Photo Grace Hasler.

On January 8, 2020, Galen and Grace Hasler enjoyed a walk to Picnic Point in the brisk air, with temperatures below freezing and thin floats of ice forming on the Bay. They were surprised by an amazing assemblage of waterfowl feeding and keeping the water open: they reported 116 Canada goose, 115 Tundra swan, 3 American Wigeon, 140 mallards, 6 Bufflehead, 200 Common Goldeneye, 52 Common Mergansers, only 80 American coots, and as bonus sights, 2 Bald eagles and in the woods a Great horned owl. Early in the season there were hundreds of coots on the Bay, often mixed with Buffleheads. Apparently the Goldeneye are now gathering to move on.

Other Friends were also seeking our birds in the Preserve on this fine day. David Liebl, walking in the woods, recorded Blue Jay, Black-capped chickadee, white-breasted nuthatch, cedar waxwing, Dark-eyed junco, and even an American goldfinch. You can check out eBird Lakeshore Nature Preserve and follow the birds in the Preserve. They make things happen!