Like runners, they like to do a lot of leg stretches.

These two were by Pool 9.

I think I'm in love with Sandhill Cranes;
I have to go back soon!

2 chickens break up rabbit fight!

Proof that birds are smarter than rabbits.

the birds at Carlos Avery

This Canada Goose was one of the first birds I saw as I visited Carlos Avery yesterday. For a description of Carlos Avery, if you are not familiar with it, take a look at Wednesday's post.

The birds are in the approximate order that I encountered them. In addition, there were several Common Loons, American Crows, Wild Turkeys, Mallards, and some hawks & swans I couldn't identify. I spent most of my time with several small groups of Sandhill Cranes between Pools 4 & 10 and at Pool 9. I'll post those pictures tomorrow.

Song Sparrow & Red-winged Blackbird at Pool 10

Ring-necked Ducks at Pools 7 & 22

Northern Shoveler in back w/Ring-necked Duck lower right

Buffleheads flying over Ring-necked Ducks

I didn't know old Coots could flap their wings so fast.

BLUE BIRD vs. TREE SWALLOWS

"I've found a house!"

"I've got to get some stuff for our nest!"

"What are you guys doing here?"

"Get out of here!!"

"Are you still here?"

"You had better scat too!"

". . . and don't come back!"

Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area

This morning was my first visit to Carlos Avery this year; the roads were opened only last Friday. I got there about 7 a.m., shortly after sun rise. In some ways it doesn't seem like spring, because there is very little green stuff around. But the birds that have arrived so far are active. I was especially excited by all the Sandhill Cranes with their distinctive cries. Many of them seemed to be paired off; it is my understanding that quite a few of them nest at Carlos Avery, particularly around Pool 26.
To help you get oriented, if you haven't been to Carlos Avery, I've marked a Google map with the Pools I'm mentioning in this post. I suggest you view the "Hybrid" version. Your best prevention from getting lost is to pick up a map near the entrance on Zodiac Street as pictured above.
The Google map covers only a portion of the total area of more than 6,000 acres, 46 miles of roads, and 23 miles of firebreaks. I have explored only a portion of it. Although there is obviously plenty of room for walking, a car is really a necessity to get about. The effort is worth it, however. You may see more species of birds here than in any one other location near the Twin Cities. Most of them are due to arrive yet; I'll be posting pictures of some of the species I shot today sometime tomorrow.

a deer near the Carlos Avery headquarters -- about 7 a.m.

Pool 10

A 180 degree view of Pool 10. (I had to try my new fish-eye lens for the Coolpix 995)

a view of Pool 9 facing the morning sun

I'm going to leave you with this picture of a Turkey Vulture soaring the thermals very high above Carlos Avery. My next series of posts will be of bird pictures shot this morning.