Marvels at Mattamuskeet

Hello dear readers, I am back from several days' birdwatching at two of my favorite places in the Old North State. Let me start with the first of these: Lake Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge. Regrettably much of the accessible refuge was sealed off due to bridge construction, and the star of the show--the Tundra Swan (shown)--is scattered across the coast so that I didn't come upon great numbers of them this time. But even a few hundred of these birds can have a soothing effect on the soul. I focused on the causeway across the lake where I found many American Coots, Canvasbacks, Northern Shovelers, more Double Crested Cormorants than I have ever seen before, and a fair number of herons and egrets. A genial gentleman and I also enjoyed the sight of a juvenile Bald Eagle. Even better results were had on the great impoundments near the refuge entrance where I espied Pintails, Shovelers, and their friends in great numbers, and also a Snow Goose and American Bittern. Even at my plodding pace I toted up 34 species. We'll just have to try again, perhaps this November if the schedule allows. Tomorrow: Pea Island.