[Birdtalk] Antelope Island and Causeway Visit

[STEPHEN T CARLILE]

Got to Antelope Island today for a couple of hours and wasn't disappointed at the causeway "bridge".  (Usually by the time I get around to checking things out the reported "rarer" birds are gone.)  All three scoters and the Long-tailed Ducks were at the bridge, both on the way to the island (9:00 a.m.) and when I was heading home (11:30 a.m.).  Met Paul Higgins at the bridge and he gave me a preview of his always great pictures.  Today was the annual buffalo auction, so parking and birding on the causeway took a little more care.  Also made a quick visit to Garr Ranch.  Didn't expect much at the ranch and I didn't see much.  A total of 30 species seen, plus the usual buffalo and coyotes.  Here is the "list".

On or from the Causeway

Tundra Swan (7) in the distance on the north side as the water starts
Black Scoter (1 female)
White-winged Scoter (2)
Surf Scoter (4)
Long-tailed Duck (4)
Northern Shoveler (in their thousands)
Northern Pintail (13)
Lesser Scaup (1)
Common Goldeneye (24+)
Eared Grebe (in their thousands - these guys were fun to watch as they dove to feed.)
Herring Gull (1 immature)
California Gull (50+)
Ring-billed Gull (6)
Bonaparte's Gull (8)
American Avocet (100+)
Northern Harrier (1)
American Kestrel (1)
American Pipit (24+)
Common Raven (1)
Savannah Sparrow (1)
House Sparrow (1)

Garr Ranch and environs

Canada Goose (12+)
Northern Flicker (3)
American Robin (5)
Spotted Towhee (1)
Red-winged Blackbird (12+)
American Goldfinch (6)
House Finch (4)
Common Raven (2)
Magpie (5)
European Starling (12+)

Thanks,

Stephen
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