[Birdtalk] SL County Saturday

[tanager at timaverybirding.com]

Yesterday (11/01) Jeff Bilsky and I birded water sources around northern Salt Lake Valley, stopping at Saltair, Lee's Creek, Lee Kay Ponds, Lake Park, and Decker Lake.  It was unreasonably warm for November 1st birding, perhaps creating somewhat of a lull, with most late fall migrants gone already and few to none early winter birds present.

Saltair was quiet, with several hundred gulls on the beach and scatterd Eard Grebes as far as the eye can see.  A lone Greater Yellowlegs was in the pond st the entrance.

In the vicinity of Lee's Creek we noted around 250 Tundra Swans, 1000's of dabbling ducks and lots of American Pipits. Our first HERRING GULL of the fall was present here as well. 2 Rough-legged Hawks were also seen. 

We made a brief stop at the IC where a MERLIN flew up 5600 west past us and put of sight.

Next we headed to Lee Kay Ponds where the CATTLE EGRET was still hanging around on the west pond.  I think it may be injured.  5 - 1st year HERRING GULL were hanging out with the egret in the rock pile with the egret. 4 FOY BUFFLEHEAD were also present here. 

At Lake Park golfers were still out so we just looped throug without checking the ponds too well. 

Finally we ended up at Decker Lake where a single Lesser Yellowlegs was the highlight.   About 500 California Gull and several hundred Canada Geese were here, but no diving ducks yet...

Wish I would have made it out during the storm today!  Should have brought some winter goodies with it!

Good Birding 

Tim

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