This afternoon, I noticed a large number of Ring-billed Gulls around
Riverside Dr. so I decided to go towards the Riverwalk to check them
out. On the way, Marybelle Fries let me know that a large group of
Scaup were on the river behind Libby Hill or in front of Camilla
Williams Park. I was tickled pink to find not just Scaup but 16
Green-winged Teal, 4 Redheads, 60 or so Scaup (I know I saw Lesser and
thought I picked out Greater as well), a female Red-breasted Merganser, 5
Hooded Mergansers, 12 Bufflehead and 2 Northern Shovelers (plus,
Pied-billed Grebe, Canada Geese and a Double-crested Cormorant). About 5
Tree Swallows were circling as well! I wonder if the storm last night
didn't play a part in this awesome display! Going back in the AM to see
if they are still there!!!! If you are in Danville, the Riverwalk Trail runs
behind businesses on the east end of Riverside Drive. Turn at the light
between Biscuitville and Libby Hill, park in the back and walk east and if the
ducks are still there, you should see them between the trail and Camilla
Williams Park on the other side. I saw the Bufflehead from behind the hotel a
little west of where the other ducks were.
Good birding,
Mary Foster
Dry Fork
