On this cold, sunny morning, the pools and channels of Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area were mostly frozen over and deep snow coated the fields. As a result, waterfowl viewing was limited, consisting primarily of Canada geese, mallards, gadwall and green-winged teal. On the other hand, raptors were both common and conspicuous.
An immature bald eagle dove through flocks of red-winged blackbirds, hoping to snare a modest lunch. Two red-tailed hawks soared above the floodplain and six northern harriers, three males and three females, flapped low above the snow-laden crop stubble. A merlin hunted from a dead snag and an American kestrel took aim at sparrows foraging on a graveled road.
Afternoon warmth is finally taking its toll on the snowy landscape and, within another week or two, flocks of snow geese and greater white-fronted geese will descend on the refuge. Unfortunately, I will be back in Colorado but hope to return in March to catch the peak of the spring waterfowl migration in the Missouri River Valley.
