[mou] Crosby, Black Dog

[linda]

After viewing the varied thrush, we hiked Crosby Park. On the way, we 
observed a red-tail hawk fly to the top of the high-rise near the east 
entrance to the park; I don't usually see them perched on tall 
buildings. Later, we startled a red-tail from a tree on the north side 
of the bigger lake; he glided over the water and disappeared to the south.

On the river path, close to the 35E bridge, we startled two perched bald 
eagles, who proceeded to soar downriver. There were 3 more baldies 
further upriver, and a rough-legged hawk dodging repeated attacks by a 
crow. Still present were large flocks of robins on the north side of the 
lake and about 20 mallards sharing the small beaver-created "terrace" 
there with a muskrat. There were also several woodpeckers-- downy, 
hairy, and red-belly -- as well as housefinches, juncos, chickadees, and 
w.b. nuthatches. As an aside, we observed in a red squirrel a behavior 
new to us: the squirrel was positioned inside a shallow tree cavity, and 
continuously licking the inner surface, which appeared to be lined with 
frozen sap (maple sugar anyone?).

We joined Craig Mandel at Black Dog. Among the Canada geese and mallards 
were some trumpeter swans, bufflehead, and common mergansers. One eagle 
sat on the edge of the ice on the west side, and another soared over the 
trees at the east end. Most satisfactory were long looks at the 
peregrine falcon pair, sitting on a wooden frame at head-level height, 
on the north edge of the west lake. The Marsh Trail was quiet except for 
the activity of a number of robins.

Linda Whyte