On this sunny, warm morning at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, water levels had fallen but the absolute number of waterfowl had increased, especially for blue-winged teal. Northern shovelers and American coot remained abundant while the number of gadwall had increased significantly. Fourteen pied-billed grebes were observed and, to my relief, great blue herons seem to be returning to the refuge.
On the other hand, raptors were limited to turkey vultures, a red-tailed hawk and a lone northern harrier. In addition, other avian residents remain rather sparse with the exception of northern flickers, crows and red-winged blackbirds.
Most rewarding were the sightings of a double-crested cormorant and a flock of American golden plovers, the first I have encountered this spring. No doubt, the pace of new visitors and summer residents will pick up significantly in April and our long avian drought at Eagle Bluffs will finally come to an end.
