During the doldrums of March, birders are often puzzled as to where conduct their routine adventures. It was no different this year as Doreene, the only leader available on March 31st, tried to determine a route for this late March excursion. Last minute updates and inclinations led her to surmise that close to home was the way to go for the trip. So, 14 eager Avids enjoyed a shorter car ride than normal as they ventured to their first stop, Killdeer Plains WA. Looking over the checklist, it seems that Killdeer was awash with waterfowl–a whopping 18 species of ducks and geese. Throwing in common loon, two grebes, and American coot brings the total to 22. A few shorebirds were around and other landbirds filled out the list as they leisurely scoured the area. The next stop was Big Island WA, where more waterfowl and shorebirds awaited. A mute swan, six tundra swans, and a lone lingering snow goose brought the day’s waterfowl total to 25. No other surprises were noted and the Avids soon found themselves venturing back toward Columbus to Hoover Reservoir. Not your routine Avids trip, to say the least. At Hoover they were expecting to find the up-till-then reliable female surf scoter, but instead fell victim to what often happens in the birding world–no scoter. In fact, there were few waterfowl around at all. Undaunted, they continued their foray around the reservoir and were able to add a few birds to the list before returning to their departure point. Overall, the Avids tallied 76 species on this trip and a good, fairly relaxing time was enjoyed by all.
A = Killdeer Plains WA
B = Big Island WA
C = Hoover Reservoir
