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Bird ID Tips with Black Swamp Bird Observatory
Today’s comparison: Lesser Scaup (LESC) and Greater Scaup (GRSC)
Greater and Lesser Scaup are both found throughout Lake Erie and the surrounding marshes through the winter and early spring. While they are very similar, there are several field marks that can help separate the two!
🪶 GRSC has a heavier, longer bill than LESC.
🪶 GRSC shows a larger head peaked in front of the eye, while LESC’s head peaks behind the eye.
🪶 GRSC in flight has a broad white wingstripe extending well into the primaries, while LESC has a thinner wingstripe that fades to gray into the primaries.
Which field mark do you rely on most when telling these species apart? What species do you want to see compared next? Let us know in the comments!
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Feeder watch part two.
The feeders have been extremely busy with both the Red and White-breasted Nuthatches, the beautiful little Chickadees, many American Goldfinches, Juncos, and, as of yesterday we still have three White- throated Sparrows. We have the Downy and the Hairy Woodpeckers along with the Pileated and Red-breasted and the gorgeous Red-headed. The teeny-tiny Brown Creepers are still creepin on the old oak trees and we have three resident crows that hang around every day. We also have a Cooper's Hawk. So, that is the report for today. What are you all still seeing?
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We have most of them
Cute photo!! I rarely see the red breasted nuthatches but I hear them. I also hear golden crowned kinglets in the trees so I think they are around. Like you, I am anxiously awaiting Common Redpolls, Pine Grosbeaks and Evening Grosbeaks… seems they are abundant North of here. 🙏🤞
Downy and Hairy and Red Bellied Woodpeckers, Red and White Breasted Nuthatches. So many American Goldfinches. Blue Jay's and Mourning Doves. Occasionally I hear Creepers. First thing this morning though we're the Dark Eyed Juncos. Hoping for some Pine Siskins.
Monthly Archives: April 2017
Spring Backyard Visitor
This photo was taken in Tawas Township on 4/21 and submitted by Terry & Mary Baker. “We rarely see shore birds at our pond, but this Green Heron came to steal some goldfish last Friday. It was camouflaged in the … Continue reading
M-55 Spring Road Cleanup – Updated 4/30
UPDATE: Greetings from sunny Sand Lake Road, May 3rd, Wednesday!. See you there. Where: M-55 and Sand Lake Road parking area. That is 12 miles west of US-23 intersection. Only 5 miles east of M-65 intersection. What: After a short … Continue reading
April AVA Activities
Our April activities have been updated with dates and times. See our Upcoming Field Trips page for the details about the what, where, when of our Oscoda Salmon Projects outing and our spring kickoff of the M-55 road cleanup.
2017 Kirtland’s Warbler Tour Information Is Now Available
In partnership with Huron Pines, Kirtland’s Warbler Alliance, U.S. Forest Service, and Michigan Audubon, the AuSable Valley Audubon (AVA) Chapter conducts our second year of Kirtland’s Warbler tours in our most eastern section of the Huron National Forest called the … Continue reading
Mackinaw Raptor Fest Highlights
Nine of our AuSable Valley Audubon members attended the Mackinaw Raptor Fest in Mackinaw City on April 8. The programs were varied and interesting, the dinner excellent. Even though the airline had cancelled the flight of the keynote speaker, he … Continue reading
Don’t Forget – Tawas Point Birding Festival Is Coming Up In May!
The Tawas Point Birding Festival is coming soon, May 18 – May 20. Join Michigan Audubon and AuSable Valley Audubon at Tawas Point for some of the best birding in Michigan. Loads of migrating birds, especially, but not only many … Continue reading
Come and Join Us At Our April Meeting
The meeting will be at 7:00 p.m., April 11th at the Camp Inn Lodge, 3111 US-23, about two miles south of Oscoda. Guests are welcome! High School biology teacher Matt McDougall, in partnership with the Lake Huron Sports Fishing group, and sponsored … Continue reading