Bona Dea Update

Bona Dea was cloudy, cold and windy. However the wildlife live and dead was abundant. First after leaving the residence, there were an infestation of Robins all in the neighborhood. Also saw a Mockingbird in the front yard. Spring is around the corner as other seen critters will testify to today. At the east end of park at the gazebo, the robins were doing their thing there. Leaving and going across the dike on Parkway Hwy there were 2 Double-crested Cormorants on the familiar old snag in lake Dardanelle. Then at the head of Swinging Bridge Trail I saw a new bird for this winter. It was a Veery. It doesn't winter here and it doesn't breed and nest here but it migrates through here and the birds are now mirgrating through.This is a type of American Spotted Thrush. It is a lot like a Hermit Thrust that is here most year round but it had a smaller body and tail with similiar markings. The notible feature of this bird is that is will not fly far when disturbed and will look for food by flipping over dead leaves with its beak instead of scratching with its feet. Photo. Also in this area was a Tufted Titmouse. And in same area was a very lively Gray Squirrel that scampered around on the ground and in trees very fast. Also Northern cardinals here. Going on down to the swinging bridge a Great Blue Heron flew out of Goose Pond. Another one was in Gator Alley on Waldon Pond wading in the water and streching its head way out looking down in the water for some fish to come by. The sky was full of Gulls and Turkey Vulchers but none seen at their roosting spot but flying overhead. Flocks of Grackles were migrating toward the west. I saw a woodpecker flying off and could not ID but heard its call frequently while there. Also could hear its pecking away. Could have been a Red-bellied Woodpecker. It was not the Flicker that stays in that area. Several woodland Sparrows probably White-throated ones were all over the flatlands by Prarie Creek. A pair of Mallard Ducks flew out of Goose Pond. After just leaving the park I saw where an American Mink had been run over on the side of the road. They are starting to move around now that Spring is near.These mammals are frequent here. It was not far from where the Opposum was run over a few weeks back and mentioned in a post. It has thick fur. It is a very pretty animal. Coats are made from this animal as you may know. Photo of one. Yesterday and today the pumps at the pumping station were running and Prarie Creek is now very low. Don't know why they are doing so much pumping now.