New
River Wetlands survey day
Jan 12,
2002
-Bob
Miller
A visit to both sites on a beautiful winters day. For directions and the
official cumulative bird list for both sites click
here!
71
species (today's list follows at end
of page)
Click on
thumbnail pictures for full-sized shots.
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It takes all kinds! Some thoughtful citizen had decided that the
wetlands project would be a nice place to dump their trash. The many
pay for the few and this was the reason some of you found the gates
closed to the Brawley site this winter. There has been a new fence
installed to separate the NRW from the US ag research station and
the wetlands are now open! The wetlands are open to all LEGAL
activities. If you witness unlawful activities, jot down some info
and contact me, together we can keep the wetlands the wonderful
place that it is!
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Ahhh, the wetlands, instant blood pressure
reduction! Common
Yellowthroat and Marsh Wrens, chattering and flitting through the
bulrushes, let you know who owns that territory.
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NRW Brawley site
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Common Yellowthroat
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I have twice seen American Bittern at the Brawley site and
Least Bittern are seen regularly at both sites. American Coot,
Pied-billed Grebe and Common Moorhen have taken up permanent
residence.
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Sora!
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Sora can be seen regularly too! Song Sparrow are here and a
Lincoln's Sparrow or two can be found this time of year.
Waterfowl, herons, gulls and terns, the wetlands attract the
widest number of species in the winter.
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Lincoln's Sparrow
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Northern Mockingbird
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White-crowned Sparrow
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| Birding between the sites is just as much fun. The
fields and canal banks can hold many surprises. Do not overlook
the vegetation along the sides of the hills overlooking the
wetlands while you are busily oohing and ahhing at what is on the
ponds! This Burrowing Owl has taken up residence along the dirt road
going into the Imperial site. I am always fascinated by their
unusual feet! |
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Burrowing Owl
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