March Bird Report
HP March Bird Report
March 7, 2023
In a pervious note I mentioned the seasonal disappearance of our local nesting birds, to be replaced by increasing numbers of northern nesters. The latter are birds that migrate through here on their way to the tropics and sub-tropics. Some will even stay here to enjoy our “mild” winters.
Well, seasons change! The reverse is now underway. A few of our common nesting birds are already back from the south — singing, squabbling, drumming (as with woodpeckers) and otherwise establishing well defined breeding territories. More are certain to arrive as daylight lengthens.
At the same time, numbers of wintering waterfowl still remain with us, especially American Wigeons and Ring-necked Ducks. More migrating Canada Geese and Cackling Geese can be expected to drop in for a while, decoyed by our often unpopular resident Canada Geese. Have faith though; the numbers of these non-migratory birds are being well and humanly controlled by our grounds staff.
Today’s count was relatively low, as expected.
Total Species Identified: 16
Total Birds Identified: 110
New Species Added: Nil (see below)
Who is going to find the 100th bird species to appear on or over the golf course? During the annual Christmas Bird Count, (December 17, 2022), a flock of 10 Double-crested Cormorants, flying in a perfect “V” formation, passed over Highland Pacific as they moved from one local marine waterway to another. That was Species Number 94 for our list. Since then, two or more of this same species have been feeding and resting on the water feature at the driving range, no doubt finding invasive Small-mouthed Bass, frogs and tadpoles there. A preferred roosting place appears to be “On the ball” (see photos). Note the green eye, large mouth and impressively long, hooked beak — perfect for seizing underwater prey as this wide-spread bird dives with powerful webbed feet.
Meanwhile, keep watching and photographing spring birds that appear on the course; there might be a prize for Number 100.
