The few weeks remaining of winter can be a lull as things move out,with some species sticking around ,but about this time showing signs of migration the likely species in this time period.

Most evident, 6 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS , in beautiful plumage, stuck out brilliantly against the snow backdrop on the western fringe of the Nethermead, opposite the slope path that leads to Falkill Falls. And most amusingly, about 100 feet above, the RED TAILED HAWK looks sort of menacing.

The other species in the news--WOOD DUCKS-- still occupy the open water of the Lower Pool's weir.But today the 7 ducks shared the spot with a HOODED MERGANSER pair.. [See Neal's photos below in the previous post] .

Then there is the Merganser merriment. In my single binocular view, all three species was my delightful satisfaction. A pair of HOODEDS next to the COMMON was joined by the RED BREASTED near the Peninsula thumb cove. Very nice indeed.

And there are falcons to watch for, especially now. While on a break, I spotted a MERLIN perched on the southwest side of the Tennis House. Later, it was seen perched on the north side, a lonely sentinel viewing the land around it...

AMERICAN TREE SPARROW under the feeders thistle along with three FOX SPARROWS are the hi lights, finally happy I was able to refill after a few days the feeders were empty . It s a few weeks more before they come down, usually by the equinox.

--KB

PETER'S LIST

date = 2014/03/03
site = Prospect Park
observers = 
Northern Shoveler dwindling ,less 15
American Black Duck 2
Canada Goose 96
Wood Duck 7 Lower Pool
Red-breasted Merganser drake lake
Hooded Merganser 2 with wood ducks Lower pool;2 Lake,mix pairs
Common Merganser hen lake
Ruddy Duck 2
Mute Swan 7
Mallard 
American Coot 10
Ring-billed Gull 200
Herring Gull 3
Rock Pigeon 
Mourning Dove 
Downy Woodpecker 2 feeders
Hairy Woodpecker 
Blue Jay 2
Black-capped Chickadee feeders
American Robin 
European Starling 
White-throated Sparrow 12
Song Sparrow 3
Fox Sparrow 3 feeders; 1 Peninsula sumacs
Dark-eyed Junco 1 feeders
Northern Cardinal 2
Red-winged Blackbird 2 feeders
Common Grackle 
Rusty Blackbird 6 Nethermead near Center Drive,nice plmgs
House Sparrow