Mid-March Birding

 

Sandhill Cranes- Waterloo Region Ontario

I heard from other birders that Sandhill Cranes had returned to the region recently. We drove to a place called Grass Lake, well named because there is little water and lots of grass there. We didn't find any cranes at first but then saw two fly up out of the grass, heard them vocalize loudly and then return to the field. If we had not seen them move, it would have been almost impossible to find them.

It was nice to see Turkey Vultures circling around in kettles overhead. Today was the first I had seen spring returnees in the area. As plain as they are up close, they are magnificent when they soar on wind currents.

Bald Eagles Ice Fishing

A short distance away, we saw a grayish bird with a large wingspan circling above a frozen lake. All the seagulls on the ice took off as a young eagle and a mature adult landed on the lake and pulled a fish from a hole in the ice. My guess is that the mature eagle is one of a pair nesting nearby, but it continues to provide support for its offspring from last season. The young eagle was considerably larger than the mature eagle but obviously was not as skilled at getting food. 

On the way home we passed a bison farm which we had never noticed before. There were two or three very young amimals as well as these mature ones. Bison meat is sold locally at our Farmers' Market and I expect that these are being raised for meat. 

We have enjoyed a few mild days and the number of spring migrants has increased daily. The wind has shifted and is bring back cold overnight windchill temperatures but the snow cover has receded significantly and food is available for the birds. I am. looking for Eastern Bluebirds, Great Blue Herons, Osprey and Meadowlarks next, as well as unexpecteds find that always make a day spent birding worthwhile.