In Search of an American Pipet

Monday was homeschool meeting day. I had agreed to turn in some pictures to the yearbook leader for our Pathfinder director who couldn't be there. T was very tired from being out late for the Super Bowl Party the night before and didn't want to stay for the meeting. L came with us. So, we decided to go to a park in Springfield where Snow Geese, Ross's Geese and American Pipets had been reported.

We saw the Snow Geese right away (above--white with black tail feathers). Looked for the Ross's Geese, but decided that there weren't any. There were Ring-billed Gulls, Canadian Geese, and the usual assortment of park ducks.

Park ducks

We scanned (from the warmth of the car--didn't get out on the walking trail) this cornfield for the American Pipets, but even after several passes only saw a couple Crows and Bluebirds.

We drove back into the park hoping to see some in the mown fields--no luck. We did see a Brown Thrasher and some Cedar Waxwings, though.

Passed by this small pond which was empty. The search for the Pipets had ended and we headed for home.

Another Nice Day--A walk in the Yard

Sunday was another beautiful day with highs near 60 degrees. L came home (stayed until Tuesday--had to work on Wednesday). She and I and the dogs went for a walk to check the ponds for ice.

Our pond in the woods still had ice on it.

The pond below Daddy's house was just water, but the levels were up from all the rain we got in January.
Doobie, Snoopy, and Metu checked out the ponds with us.

In a tree along the property line by the melted pond, we saw this pair of Pileated Woodpecker holes.

Later Sunday evening, I went to Sonic to get Mr. M a burger. A funeral procession was headed out toward our road (there's a cemetery about half way down the road), so I decided to take a detour to Lake Westmoreland (a large water department pond with many geese and ducks). A flock of Canada Geese flew up as I approached. I saw mostly the Canada Geese and Muscovy ducks. I took Mr. M his burger and went home. The kids had gone to a Super Bowl Party and M and I had pizza without them.