We went to check out Turnbull NWR today (3-17) and had a great time.
There was more human traffic then I'd ever seen before, but we did well
nevertheless.

The day got off to a great start as we spotted a fully mature bald eagle
from the car as we drove up the driveway. After we got out, we were able
to see his friend; the two birds soared gracefully over the refuge.

When we got to the parking lot by the big pond, it seemed like the whole
world had descended on Turnbull. That's fairly true: I guess someone had
reported that the swans were back and everyone and their brother came to
see them. News flash: the swans didn't want to hang around for
everyone. If you go to see the swans, I suggest you go very early on a
weekday.

Rather than join the mile-long queue of swan-lookers, we decided to bird
the parking lot. There were lots of Western Bluebirds, Pine Siskins, and
Red-shafted Flickers hanging around the lot. One bluebird flew right
over a couple and landed within ten feet of them-- but they had their
swan-goggles on and missed it entirely!

The Red-winged Blackbirds have set up shop, but no sign of the females or
the Yellow-headeds yet.

As far as waterfowl goes, the numbers are extremely low at the moment.
Mallards, Redheads, Am. Coots, Canada Geese, American Wigeons were all
present. Also a lifer for us: an entire flock of Barrow's Goldeneyes is
floating on Swan Pond right now.

Of course, the usual friendly birds (chickadees and robins, mostly) are
hanging around, as well as a group of Tree Swallows.

All in all, a great day (even with all the human disturbance).

-Pat
scott931 at uidaho.edu
ONLINE GUIDE: http://www.uidaho.edu/~scott931/projects/guide.html