It was a spring-like morning here in Stoney Creek. The temperature was in the low 60's when I left my house at 8:45 to see what the warm southwesterly winds might have brought to this area. As I approached Lake Monocan, I could hear a couple of Red-winged Blackbirds announcing their arrival. |
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There was a small flock of Canada Geese on the lake. Dark-eyed Juncos, Song Sparrows, Black Vultures, and Cardinals were out and about. I saw some Crows heading to join a mob, and heard the call of a Red-Shouldered Hawk in the distance. There were two Belted Kingfishers, a male and a female, in a tree by Lake Monocan. I don't recall ever seeing a pair together here in Stoney Creek.
Belted Kingfishers
I walked down and into the Allen Creek Nature Preserve, seeing some more Song Sparrows and Cardinals, heard a Pileated Woodpecker, and a different woodpecker - probably the Flicker that I saw as I left the preserve. More Crows, and I could still hear the Red-shouldered Hawk. I made my way up to Sawmill Creek Pond #6, and was treated to a flock of 26 Ring-necked Ducks - 21 males and 5 females. I had only previously seen one or two females here, and seeing all of them was quite a sight.
Ring-necked Ducks
Ring-necked Ducks
Ring-necked Ducks
Ring-necked Ducks
Turnng out to be a ducky day. I decided to look for more ducks at the ponds along Black Walnut and Waters Edge, but all I saw were a Turkey Vulture and a pair of Red-shouldered Hawks, both missing some of their feathers - one made some close passes overhead.
Red-shouldered Hawk
Red-shouldered Hawk
I then headed over to the pond on Hidden Creek Drive. This pond has been the home to Mallards and Wood Ducks for several weeks. Sure enough, they were still there, along with a Great Blue Heron. Although I tried to walk quietly to the pond, the dry brown leaves cracked under my feet, and the ducks and heron flew to the other end of the pond.
Mallard and Wood Duck
Great Blue Heron
