St. Lawrence area

On Thursday March 27 I returned to the St Lawrence area to see how the spring migrants were going. The river was still well covered in ice. This allowed me to get close to the thousands of Canada and Snow Geese that have stopped over on the journey north. When I had a chance to return to the area yesterday the geese had either moved on or moved to another location. There was alot more open water than before so this may have had something to do with it.

While driving along the parkway one has to go slow as any number of interesting animals and birds could be missed. I have seen Turkey Vultures circling over head many times but Thursday I was given the opportunity to observe one closely. This one was perched in a tree just over a Raccoon carcass. It did not seem too interested in it as it was pretty much intact.

I knew they were large but did not realize just how big they were until this one took off as I was moving towards it to try to get a better shot.

Further on the road very close to the Turkey Vulture I had another opportunity that does not happen very often. Sitting all by itself taking in the territory was a juvenile Peregrin Falcon. This was my first time seeing a Peregrin for any length of time. I could not see the feet under the feathers so its hard to tell if this is a wild birthed one or a baby from the ones that were banded in Ottawa or another city close by. I was hoping to get closer but a couple of local people came by and asked me what type of bird it was, this led to a pleasant conversation but the Pergrin flew away while we were talking.

I find the St. Lawrence region to be a good area for nature shooting during this time period as not many people are around and the animals are closer to the roadside. Every day is different and this summer should be interesting to see what summer birds are around.