The Scoop on Scaup #140 - #141

Following a on-the-spot report of four Tundra Swans, we jumped in the van and headed off to a small pond along County Rd. 201 near Berlin, Ohio. By the time we got there the swans were no where in sight (though a pair of domesticated Mute Swans may have been the culprits). However we were not disappointed for the pond had a small band of diving ducks enjoying the newly defrosted water.

1) Ring-necked Duck. Not a new bird for me, but a year bird

2) Lesser Scaup (1st photo)

Lesser Scaup, Identification, All About Birds - Cornell Lab of Ornithology

3) Greater Scaup (2nd photo)

Greater Scaup, Identification, All About Birds - Cornell Lab of Ornithology

You'll notice the rounder head of the Greater Scaup and, as it flapped it's wings for us, more white on the wings. Oh the thrill of spring migration in the air!


Photo Credits:
* Lesser Scaup - Davefoc
* Greater Scaup - teddy llovet


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A - Bunting We Will Go! #137 - #139

Had a great outing on Saturday with some great folks. First off, we stopped by Bear Hollow Rd. for another look at the Harris Sparrow. the lovely bird decided to oblige us today. From there we scooted over to Andy Yoder's place to on Cutter Rd. in hopes to find our target bird. We got three for the price of one, and all three lifers for me!

1) Snow Bunting - A flock of 600+



Snow Bunting, Identification, All About Birds - Cornell Lab of Ornithology

2) Lapland Longspur



http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Lapland_Longspur/id.aspx?spp=Lapland_Longspur

3) Rusty Blackbird (A completely bonus bird!)



Rusty Blackbird, Identification, All About Birds - Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Thanks Cheryl and Greg for the great company!



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Photo credits:

Lapland Longspur - Ansgar Walk
Rusty Blackbird - Mdf