The flock consisted primarily of molting adult birds with a couple of crisp-plumaged juveniles. We enjoyed good looks at the varied group as it was feeding in a recently harrowed field between Lake Josephine in Easton and Christina Reservoir. Some of the molting adults were still quite colorful with golden backs and a lot black left on their bellies and undertails. The bright supercillaries, thin bills, dark caps and black feathers in the undertail coverts all helped with the ID. Nary a dark wing-pit in the bunch when they flushed. I got a few pictures.
-- The waterfowl at Lake Jo proper were not especially inspiring, though we saw a dozen species including a foursome of newly-arrived Lesser Scaup. Passerines were fun with lots of action in the thickets below the dikes.
There was also a good assortment of raptors moving against the stiff south wind. An American Kestrel, a couple Merlins, a Sharp-shinned and Osprey and Bald Eagle all came by while we were there.
The second highlight of the day was another of Craig's finds: a juvenile Common Gallinule feeding in some flooded timber in one of the lower ponds behind the McCain Foods plant. Though it was tough observe through all the dead wood, we were able to eventually get good looks at it and to see the flank stripe. After a couple minutes we realized it was joined by another---a drab post-breeding plumaged adult with a faded bill. Though I had heard the birds here several times this summer this was my first sighting of these. Good to confirm breeding again this year.
Craig has the full lists and has promised to share, but I think we had about 50 species for the morning.
Good Birding
Bill
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