[Birdtalk] Deer Creek birds

[Lu Giddings]

I drove by Deer Creek twice this afternoon. I was amazed to see that the 
reservoir remains about 98% ice-free. There were no water-skiers or 
fishermen on the lake (I guess neither is as tough or as dedicated as 
birders!), and there was no wind so viewing condition were excellent 
during the two brief but very cold stops I made.

A large flock of American coots was seen at the inlet end of the 
reservoir along with a few rafts of mostly American wigeon. A female 
canvasback was also seen in this area.

Near the boat ramp at the state park was another mixed flock of several 
hundred ducks, including gadwalls, mallards, green-winged teal, three 
northern pintail drakes, one redhead drake, ring-necked ducks, lesser 
scaup, and common goldeneye.

There were also a few bald eagles about, and multiple rafts of waterfowl 
out on the lake that I did not stop to check. It is possible that there 
may be loons or scoters out there, but I was not in a position to stop, 
although there were several plowed pull-overs I drove past.

A word about the road conditions. Roads were mostly in good winter 
condition in the Provo-Orem area and in the Heber-Midway area. Not so in 
Provo Canyon. It appear that DOT has prepared the road in the canyon 
with snow-grooming equipment borrowed from Sundance and perhaps also a 
Zamboni or two, rather than with snow-plows and salt. We passed multiple 
accidents on our way up the canyon and new, different multiple accidents 
on our way back down the canyon. The road is easily passable but be very 
careful, both of the roads and also of those who seem to be oblivious to 
the icy road conditions.

Lu Giddings