Date: 3/15/25 6:30 pm From: Derek Courtney <derek.dana.courtney...> Subject: Cheat Lake Waterbird Report --- Mon Co.
Hi, all!
This morning 12 participants joined me for Mountaineer Audubon's tour of Cheat Lake in search of migrating waterfowl. We beat the storms, but I think the birds beat us in turn. Numbers and diversity were pretty low overall. The warm weather led to a number of boats on the water today, which may have hindered us slightly. Water levels were higher than I expected given the lack of recent rains, and that can sometimes hamper how long the dabblers will hang around. Lots of debris in the lake too for some reason. Regardless, it was a great day to be out birding with friends. Waterbird totals below and full species totals entered to eBird.
Cheat Lake --- I-68 Bridge Canada Goose 4 Mallard 3 Bufflehead 6 Duck sp. 25 (just too far out with the heat shimmer for ID)
Cheat Lake --- Sunset Harbor Canada Goose 9 (too many boats using the ramp for ducks to hang out)
Cheat Lake --- Cheat Lake Park Canada Goose 4 Green-winged Teal 6 Ring-necked Duck 5 Bufflehead 1 Common Merganser 1 Pied-billed Grebe 2 Belted Kingfisher 2
Thanks to everyone who came out today! And thanks to Hannah Clipp for keeping the eBird lists. I believe the next field trips up for Mountaineer Audubon are a series of Woodcock walks. Check the website and Facebook pages for updates. Best wishes to you all!
