Kip’s Comments - March 18, 2026

All Rise (or mostly all) and First Woodchuck

My early morning walk at Sweet Marsh was very productive as far as bird observations were concerned. Most interesting were the hundreds, maybe thousands, of mallards with other ducks scattered in that took flight as I walked or when bald eagles flew low over them. Also seen were many sandhill cranes. No greater white-fronted or snow geese were seen or heard today.

Following is a sampling of images from Sweet Marsh - waterfowl and more.

Gadwall - Image 1074396

Mallards - Image 1074415

Northern Pintails in Flight - Image 1074462

Northern Pintails in Flight - Image 1074475

Ring-necked Duck - image 1074510

Wood Ducks - Image 1074739

Wood Ducks - Image 1074792

American Coots - Image 1074326

Waterfowl at Sweet Marsh - Image 1074660

Northern Harrier - Image 1074424

Young Bald Eagle - Image 1074840

Sandhill Cranes - Image 1074528

Sandhill Cranes - Image 1074570

Sandhill Cranes - Image 1074604

For those keeping track of “First of the Year” observations like I do, today I saw my first woodchuck. Spring must be here!

Woodchuck in Snow - Image 1074946

Woodchuck in Snow - Image 1074957

Woodchuck in Snow - Image 1074990