Troutbirder II

Troutbirder II
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Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Listing The Goethite W.M.A.

I taught American History & World Geography in a Middle School for 12 years. Previously, I had taught Economics, Sociology, & Political Science at the 12th grade level for over 25 years. I loved every minute of it. I never taught ACCOUNTING OR BOOKKEEPING. Math was necessary for my checkbook but not a favorite subject. Then, in the twilight years of retirement, I took up BIRDING. For some birders, keeping track of one's sightings is part of the deal. Now, in my fourth full year of this fascinating hobby, I have joined the M.O.U (Minnesota Ornithogical Union) and ebird (Cornel University) You might say I am a "lister". It's just like being a bookkeeper/accountant. My M.O.U. list is just for Minnesota sightings. I am up to 194 on that one. On Ebird, which you can list birds from anywhere in the world, I am over 254. This includes quite a few from two visits to Florida. Any new bird added to these lists is a "lifer." Ebird is especially handy because you can go back and find dates and locations for any of your sightings. You can keep track of lists there by nation, state, county, town or individual favorite spots (like "Troutbirders backyard").
Here is one of my "favorites" . Its called the Goethite. The Goethite Wildlife Management Area consists of hundreds of acres of ponds (former iron mining pits), prairie, woods and a stream. The following list is of of sightings there so far this year (since Jan. 1). Its been mostly waterfowl to this point but in a few weeks lots of songbirds will begin appearing.
I might add that I have a phenomenally BAD memory for things that don't interest me a whole lot, like addresses, phone numbers, social security etc. You know the practical things one needs to know. Now I can, however, tell you the exact locations where I caught a fish on a lake I haven't been on in thirty years. And all the good "honey holes" on a myriad of trout streams. The birding list allows me to do the same thing. Would you like to see the Oak Tree near Lanesboro Minnesota where I saw my first Snowy Owl in 1976? There is a fence post east of Custer, South Dakaota that had a Lewis's Woodpecker sitting..... Ok ok. History and Geography teachers can be like that. Goethite WMA Sightings Jan 1 - March 28, 2012.
Snow Goose 75, Canada Goose 35, Wood Duck 4, Mallard 36, Ring-necked Duck 11, Lesser Scaup 16, Hooded Merganser 8, Common Merganser 2,, Rough-legged Hawk 2, Sandhill Crane 2, Killdeer 16, Loggerhead Shrike 1, Blue Jay 1 American Crow 8, Eastern Bluebird 2, American Robin 5, American Tree Sparrow 2, Fox Sparrow 1, Red-winged Blackbird 22, Eastern Meadowlark 2.
Of course, it doesn't hurt that the Goethite also is a great place for Baron to romp and swim without
having to be confined by a leash.

11 comments:

  1. I love to take pictures of and listen to the birds, but I've given up on ever being part of the bird count, since I seem to mistake one bird for another more often than not. I'm glad YOU are doing it, though.

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  2. You look like you're thoroughly enjoying yourself. Nice post!

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  3. I was adding up the numbers of years you taught and you deserved to rest for a very long time. I built a new better feeder and I have had more birds and more fun watching them than when my small feeder was out there.

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  4. You are definitely making good use of your retirement - all those birds! Your working years were well spent too, teaching children.

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  5. When working in the field a bird count was kept individually each week and compared.

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  6. You've had a lot of sightings at Goethite so far this year. Both of your lists sound like great things to maintain. I'm glad Baron can have as much fun at Goethite as you do.

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  7. I am like Djan. I have a hard time with the details one needs to observe to identify. I love to watch, just not totally sure what I am watching, especially when I get into sparrows or LBB. My bird guide has too many pictures of females or immature birds. Maybe I need a new bird guide book??
    That is one happy looking fellow in that boat.

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  8. I like the way you describe bird sightings anchoring a place in memory. That's a concept non-nature folks don't understand, sad because it changes the whole sense of physical landscaper and value-of-place for those who "get it."

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  9. Great lists of sightings. It is good that you and Baron can go out and romp around together and enjoy yourselves. I am waiting for the Red Winged Blackbirds..and someone saw a Loon on Fishook River but I have not seen or heard one yet. Most all of the lakes are open..I am seeing lots of Hawks..I am no good at identifying them:)

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  10. You could have been an engineer with all your attention to detail. I don't keep a list of the birds I have seen because I am too busy trying to take pictures of them. I do seem to remember the birds and recognize them next time I see one. I love Baron ... I am an animal person and German Shepherds are great. I have an Aussie and I take her to the forest preserves with me ... she is not interested in my birds, but keeps busy with her nose .... many new smells. Love you blog.

    Andrea @ From The Sol

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  11. Seniors to junior high. I feel your pain.

    I taught 7th and 8th grade for 33 years. Takes some getting used to the varmints, but you get to like them after a couple years.

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