Wetlands Ballet

by Dael Parsons

The Ides of March Lane Audubon Birdwalk began early with a change of plans. High winds and heavy rains at the coast left us stranded without a leader. Not to be dissuaded, the band of seven intrepid birders diverted to commune with our local jewel, the West Eugene Wetlands. Approaching the Fisher Butte Unit on Royal Avenue, we first lingered at the oak woods to enjoy the Acorn Woodpeckers and White-breasted Nuthatch. Under dramatic early spring skies, we saw and heard Virginia Rail and American Bittern. The Tree Swallows graced the air, the trees and the ubiquitous nesting boxes, where they seem to already be paired up. Marsh Wrens rattled busily all about us and were seen plucking nesting material from the cattails. American Coots, Ring-necked Ducks and Bufflehead were numerous. Tundra Swans drifted in pairs and small groups across the western horizon as we were mesmerized by the playful aerial displays of the Northern Harriers. A Bald Eagle perched in a tree was being harassed by an Osprey. A quick jaunt to Kirk Park yielded American Wigeon, Double-crested Cormorants, Common Mergansers, and Belted Kingfisher. Forty species in all were seen by our happy little group.