FOS Snow Goose, Gannets

An adult “blue” Snow Goose was on the south end of Mounds 3 (distant doc shot). Also in this area increasing numbers of ducks – Mallards, Pintail, Wigeon, Gadwall, both Teal, Redhead; also White Pelicans, Avocet, Wilson’s Snipe, and plenty of waders including both Plegadis ibis.

Offshore, two very distant, backlit N Gannets. These were at the limits of scope viewing. If you don’t have a good scope and familiarity with Gannets, these would not be identifiable. Gannets can be found offshore of SMNR throughout winter, but aren’t often reported because they tend to stay way out and not many folks look for them. If you want to see Gannets near here, drive a few miles west to Mashes Sands or Bald Point SP were they are much more numerous and closer to shore. No diving ducks (except a distant flying flock of Aytha), loons, or grebes.

The north end of Mounds 3 was also productive with Avocet, both Plegadis, White Pelicans, some ducks. distantly viewed from this location were two flying Wood Storks over the west end of Stony Bayou 2.

Tower Pond was loaded at high tide with the expected species; Reddish Egret, only one Marbled Godwit, two Avocets.

Could not find a Vermilion Flycatcher at the double dikes, but did find a tailless Phoebe that had me curious for a minute.

Flamingo was the closest I’ve seen it in quite some time, at the covered bench on Mounds 1.