In fall and winter, tens of thousands of waterfowl congregate here, including Greater White-fronted, Snow, and Canada (abundant) Geese; Tundra Swan; and 15 or more species of ducks, the most common of which are Wood Duck, American Wigeon (look for Eurasian Wigeon as well), Mallard, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Bufflehead, Common Merganser, and Ruddy Duck. Sandhill Crane is common in spring and fall migration, and has been increasing as a wintering bird. Bald Eagle may be the most publicized wintering raptor (as many as 20 or more may be present), but look also for Northern Harrier; Sharp-shinned, Cooper’s, Red-tailed, and Rough-legged Hawks; and an occasional Peregrine Falcon, among other possibilities. In late summer, drive roads in the wildlife area looking for mudflats where shorebirds rest and feed. The Coon Island observation area is one good spot, and the Eastside Viewing Platform on Reeder Road is another.
On the southern part of the island, on Gillihan Road, a livestock feed plant attracts wintering gulls, always worth checking for rarities, or simply to practice your identification skills on plumages that vary with age for each species. This is one of the best places anywhere in the country to find Thayer’s Gull.
