Morning Birding Species List | November 4, 2014

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Tuesday, November 4, 2014, 8AM – 11AM
Weather: mostly sunny, 29°F
Location: Hallam Lake, North Star Nature Preserve

Species Identified
Canada Goose Gadwall Mallard Red-tailed Hawk Belted Kingfisher Northern Flicker Steller’s Jay Black-billed Magpie		American Crow Black-capped Chickadee Mountain Chickadee Red-breasted Nuthatch American Dipper Song Sparrow American Goldfinch (pictured above)

Comments: Wonderful observations of bird behavior highlighted this morning’s birding outing, on this crisp, sunny day with a light dusting of snow and ice on the ground and vegetation: preening mallards in pairs, 4 or 5 dippers diving for food in Hallam Lake, curious chickadees perching so close to our group, and red-tailed hawks on the chase. In winter, fewer bird species are here, so it’s a prime time to get your bearings as a new birder. Birds are also easier to find, without foliage and against a white backdrop of snow. We also discovered nests, tracks of bear and elk, various scats, and a black bear across Hallam Lake. Next outing, on December 2nd, we will focus on pre-scouting favorite areas for the Christmas Bird Count. Join us!

~ Rebecca Weiss, ACES Naturalist