Nothing new along the Allegheny
Hooded Merganser photo from 2008
I made a quick stop for ducks along the Allegheny River today. Still waiting for many of the migrants to arrive but I did get some Hooded Mergansers, Common Mergansers, Buffleheads, Mallards, and Black Ducks.
Common Merganser photo from 2007
It is so hard to believe that March is right around the corner and that it will be bringing us Tundra Swans, Woodducks and other Waterfowl. With the melting of snow some of our other birds like Eastern Meadowlarks, American Woodcock, Butter-butts and the Blackbirds will also be arriving. March through May can be very exciting birding months for me!
Common Merganser and Mallard photos from 2007
I just can’t wait for spring to just get here . . . .
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Same here. I got a lucky sneak peek at open water last weekend with some good ducks but now it turned cold again and they were out of range. Maybe next week, or the week after will be good. The migration comes and goes so quickly I don’t want to miss any of it. Last spring was the first that I even knew there was duck migration in our area. I lived here 10 years!
22 February 2009 at 7:01 pm
Hey Tom I’m right there with you. I’m done with snow and want Spring and the migrant birds to start moving through.
22 February 2009 at 7:17 pm
You and me both! This will all be new to me as I didn’t get into birding until late last May. I can’t wait to see it all for the first time.
22 February 2009 at 7:21 pm
What a handsome bird, that Hooded Merganser…
22 February 2009 at 7:32 pm
Dreaming about spring is the only way to get through the rest of the month of February. (and most of March)
22 February 2009 at 8:48 pm
@ Linda . . . I bet PI has some amazing waterfowl there! I have considered heading up to buffalo for some duckies! Should be a fun year for you!
@ Toni – thanks and they should be moving here soon!
@ Kallen – he he he you will enjoy and I do suggest joining some local bird clubs in yoru area to show you around! I bet you will greatly enjoy that!
@Bo – thanks and barrowed them from previous years! It was snowing today and didn’t get any good shots with them on the other side of the river!
@ Ruth – March is when the birds really start moving . . . good times here soon!
22 February 2009 at 10:52 pm
Me, too. Spring needs to….well…SPRING, already!
22 February 2009 at 11:41 pm
We got a little snow yesterday but it’s almost melted by today. Still too cold for me–have some daffodils ready to bloom if the weather warms up again. Can’t wait.
23 February 2009 at 10:07 am
Hi Tom,
I too am looking forward to Spring. I am planning another birding trip to go watch the Whooping Cranes when they migrate.
I have to leave my backyard more often!
You live in a beautiful part of the country.
Warblers will be coming your way soon.
Sherry
23 February 2009 at 10:26 am
@ Susan . . . agree
@ Joan – shouldn’t’ be too long!
@ Sherry – Whooping Cranes would be fun! Can’t wait to see those warblers!
23 February 2009 at 11:58 am
Tom: 175 1/2 inches of snow -non stop since Halloween.
Good news! Miley saw 5 Tundra swans all tucked in at the outlet of Chautauqua Lake at noon today.
Hope is a thing with feathers.
Marlene
23 February 2009 at 2:49 pm
We had a burst of spring in January, temps in the 70s and blue skies as far as the eye could see. Now we’re finally getting our winter. Making up for all the lost time too, plenty of rain and wind. Love that Hooded Merganser. I can still remember the first time I ever saw one of those. Wow. What a beauty.
23 February 2009 at 4:35 pm
What a beautiful head piece Tom, they are all great images but the Hooded Merganser is an amazing shot !!
Well done !!
24 February 2009 at 1:59 pm