Waterfowl season begins

Canada Geese in flight

With the arrival of October comes the main part of waterfowl migration with a variety of species moving through, some of which can typically be found no other time during the year around here.  Many of the birds will pass through but some may linger if the weather stays warm enough and open water continues.  There should be a large variety of geese, ducks, loons, grebes and cormorants to look forward to with the chance of some real oddities showing up.  I will be trying to add some waterfowl to my species list for the year in the county and hope to pick up a few of the following species such as Snow, Cackling, Greater White Fronted and Ross’s Geese, Brant, Black and Surf Scoter, Ruddy Duck, Barrow’s Goldeneye, Red-throated Loon, Tundra Swan, American Coot and maybe Redhead or Canvasback. 

The most unusual species of waterfowl typically have been found in the area during later September through November (and at times December).  The history of unusual waterfowl during this period is quite impressive with records of Common Eider, Eared Grebe, Pink footed Goose,  and Pacific Loon.  There is always the chance of something very rare showing up that would be almost totally unexpected.  What will the season actually bring in?  No one knows for sure but it will be fun trying to find out.  As always you never know what you will find and the only way to find anything is to get out and look.  Hopefully I will be able to report that I have found some good stuff as the next couple of months go forward.  Stay tuned!