I went looking for ducks after leaving VINS in Quechee this afternoon.

I headed over to Lake Pinneo.  It was still frozen.  I found 6 Canada Geese
and 7 Common Mergansers at the golf course.

I then headed over to Dewey's Mill, also mostly frozen.  I wandered down to
the dam.  Found 5 Common Mergansers on the river, a Great Blue Heron on the
far shore near the dam, AND - confirmed by the one and only Kent McFarland -
a BONAPARTE'S GULL.  Fortunately I had my point and shoot camera with me, so
between trying to remember features and hoping my pictures would have enough
detail when enlarged, the gull could be ID'd.

I also checked out the Grant Brook outlet today on River Rd in Lyme.
Finally, the ice is starting to go.
Ring-necked Duck - 16
Wood Duck - 10
Hooded Merganser - 2
Black Duck - 4
Mallard - 4
Canada Goose - 3
Northern Flicker - 1
Eastern Phoebe - 1
Belted Kingfisher - 1
Black-capped chickadee - 2

It sure takes me a long time these days to get home!

Peg Ackerson
Lyme Center

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