"The homing instinct in birds and animals is one of their most remarkable traits: their strong local attachments and their skill in finding their way back when removed to a distance. It seems at times as if they possessed some extra sense―the home sense―which operates unerringly."
― John Burroughs
They're back! I saw my first Red-winged Blackbird of the year last Monday on my way to work. There's a cattail marsh along Mineral Point Road where I generally find the early arrivals. Two days later they are literally everywhere. Killdeer have also returned to southern Wisconsin, but they're not going to be thrilled by some of the weather coming later this week ― lows will be in the teens by next weekend. But it won't last long. Whatever wintery weather March renders, April is right around the corner. By then winter's grip on the landscape only lasts for a few days.
Song Sparrow numbers are steadily increasing and I observed several Eastern Bluebirds on way up to Goose Pond yesterday. I have a hunch American Woodcock are back, but I think I'll save that outing for a slightly warmer evening.
Goose Pond was still totally froze over last weekend, but it's beginning to open up enough that it's attracting thousands of northbound waterfowl.
Scanning with my spotting scope, I saw a nice collection of ducks in the northwest corner:
Northern Pintail
American Widgeon
Canvasback
Readhead
Gadwall
Green-winged Teal
Ring-necked Duck
Lesser Scaup
Naturally, there were Mallards as well. As for larger birds, there were Greater White-fronted Geese, a single Snow Goose, hundreds of Canada Geese, and both Tundra (more) and Trumpeter Swans (fewer). There may have been Cackling Geese, but I didn't see or hear any. While most waterfowl were too far away for photography, I spent some time digiscoping the swans.
The ones closest to Goose Pond Road took notice to me as I got my spotting scope and tripod out of my car, but soon realized I was of little threat or concern.
But kept their eyes on me, nonetheless!
Wait for it ...
Almost got the heart!
There wasn't much stationary wing-flapping going on, but I managed to capture it just one time:
Evident on this swan is an orange-stained head and neck, likely from tannin in iron-rich water. When swans feed, they dunk their heads under water to probe the bottom for food, so you'll often see stained head and neck feathers from stirring up and contacting sediment as they forage. The staining is highly variable, but nearly all white swans will show some discoloration on forehead feathers.
There was preening, snoozing, and the occasional clamorous calling when another swan flock showed up. Did you know a Tundra Swan was one of the first birds I ever photographed? It was actually at Goose Pond sometime in the late 90s. I was with my friend Heather O'Brien and used my Celestron C8 Astronomical Telescope and my old Yashica 35mm film camera (I still have it) to photograph them. When I got my prints back, I was astonished at the results. Perhaps that's what initially put the bird/nature photography hook in me all those years ago.
All images © 2023 Mike McDowell