Date: 11/2/24 12:20 pm From: Chris Anderson via groups.io <canderson1...> Subject: [sd-birds] Surf Scoters west of Sioux Falls
This morning 10 birders visited some of the wetlands west of Sioux Falls. The day started a little slowly, with no birds at all on Lake Lorraine or Wall Lake. The wellness center on Ellis Road had a few birds, including a pair of Redheads and a Swamp Sparrow.
Dewey Gevik Conservation Area had a mix of waterfowl including Wood Ducks, Northern Shovelers, Green-winged Teal, Gadwall, Mallards, Pied-billed Grebes, and American Coots. There was also a Bald Eagle and a Sharp-shinned Hawk.
We then saw a small group of American Pipits on 460th Ave just north of Hwy 42, with Savannah Sparrows along the road.
Grass Lake along 459th Ave had the most species, including a highlight of five Surf Scoters. Two were near the island (viewable by walking the path from the parking lot to the west a bit), and three more were right along the highway. Ruddy Ducks, Double-crested Cormorants, Lesser Scaup, Hooded Merganser, Golden-crowned Kinglet, American Tree Sparrow, Wilson's Snipe, Great Egrets, and a Greater Yellowlegs were also there.
All in all, a beautiful morning with around 40 species. Thanks to everyone who attended!
Our next club activities will be the Sioux Falls Christmas Bird Count on Saturday, Dec. 14 and the Canton CBC on Saturday, Dec. 28. More info to come about those, but please let me know if you are interested in participating.
