Date: 3/11/23 12:48 pm From: Derek Courtney <derek.dana.courtney...> Subject: Cheat Lake Waterfowl trip --- Mon. Co.
Hi all,
Almost 20 participants enjoyed the last morning before the time change by joining Mountaineer Audubon's field trip around Cheat Lake in search of waterbirds. The winds blew cold, perhaps dampening the expectations of southern migrants moving back to their breeding grounds, and we encountered a little snow/graupel as we made our way around, but spirits were still high. It was not an amazing showing of numbers or diversity, but a Red-throated Loon at Cheat Lake park proved to be the star of the morning providing long looks for those notching their lifer or state-lifer ticks. We had some new birders and some new to the area birders who came out, which is always a real treat. Thanks to all who joined us this morning, especially the trio of past Audubon presidents. Waterbird totals as follows, full totals have been submitted to eBird. Anyone who went out with us today and did not get a shared eBird list (and wants them), please shoot me an email.
Cheat Lake --- Cheat Lake Park Canada Goose 2 Ring-necked Duck 11 Lesser Scaup 2 Pied-billed Grebe 1 Horned Grebe 1 RED-THROATED LOON 1 Belted Kingfisher 1
Hannah Clipp and I also stopped by Lake O'the Woods and the Coopers Rock trout pond after the walk. Nothing on the Trout Pond with all the fishermen, but Lake O'the Woods held: Canada Goose 5 Ring-necked Duck 6 Bufflehead 14
Best wishes to you all! Please check out the Mountaineer Audubon website and/or Facebook page for info on upcoming programs and outings.
