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The recent rains and snow haven't done much to
raise the water level in Mantua Reservoir, but the ducks are still finding
refuge there in greater numbers. The predominant duck species there today
were the Lesser Scaup and the Redhead. This morning I also
saw:
Gadwall
American Wigeon
Mallard
Northern Shoveler
Green-winged Teal
Ring-necked Duck
GREATER SCAUP
Bufflehead
Red-breasted Merganser
Ruddy Duck
The Greater Scaup were primarily at the northwest curve of the reservoir,
although I also saw two males on the east side. The most distinctive
features that led to the ID were the lower, rounded crowns and the black nail at
the end of the beak that was very wide in comparison to the nails of the Lessers
present. The lighter sides (as compared to the Lesser Scaup) aren't
as visible yet because neither species has completely donned their alternate
plumage. I didn't look for females--too much tedium and too much
lazy! I recommend a spotting scope for birding from the
dike. The waterfowl can easily see birders from most approaches and move
even farther away. I brought a chair with me, so I just sat down
until they drifted back into scope range. The same technique worked
from the southeast corner (accessible from a short spur off the dike
road). Few birds were within good binoculars range.
Also seen in or around the reservoir:
Ring-necked Pheasant
California Quail
Common Loon
Pied-billed Grebe
HORNED GREBE
Eared Grebe
Western Grebe Bald Eagle
American Coot
Killdeer
Greater Yellowlegs
Ring-billed Gull
Black-billed Magpie
Black-capped Chickadee
Brown Creeper
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
House Finch
American Goldfinch
The Horned Grebe was also swimming around the
northwest curve; sometimes with Eared Grebes, sometimes with Ruddy Ducks.
This bird has completely assumed its black-crowned, white-cheeked,
white-necked winter wardrobe.
I also visited Mayor's Pond in eastern Brigham City
both today and a couple weeks ago--the waterfowl haven't found this spot yet
this season.
Mantua Reservoir is located in Box Elder County,
about 2 miles east of Brigham City on US 89/91.
Kris
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