[Birdnet] Common Grackles in Cottonwood Heights

[tanager at timaverybirding.com]

So I decided to head over to the holding pond along Old Mill Road (about 6300 South and 3100 East) during lunch.  The snow was blinding so I didn't expect much.  Surprisingly several Canada Geese and Mallards flew in while I sat watching from my car. On the water, their backs turned white as the snow stuck to their feathers.  

Yesterday there was a small swarm of Bank and Cliff Swallows feeding over the water, so I thought there may be swallows trying to stay warm in the trees today. There we're none.  A couple Brewer's Blackbirds were present however. 

As I was getting ready to leave I caught a glimpse of two large dark birds chasing each other around in the air on the west side of the pond.  After grabbing my binos. I watched as they swooped and flew around in circles for a couple minutes.  To my surprise the birds were Common Grackles! 

I have heard that there may be Common Grackle that nest in East Sandy so these may be spring arrivals. The birds were last seen near 3000 east at the staging area for plows. 

Good Snowy April Birding... Hard to believe it is supposed to be in the 70's by Monday.

Tim 

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