I checked a few area spots for waterfowl before the weather changes tomorrow. Then I plan to check them again to see if anything new has arrived or today’s birds left.
At Howard farm on IL 70, there were 2 Ross’ Geese and 5 Snow Geese.
Lake Summerset had 17 Ruddy Ducks, 22 Mallards, 5 Common Goldeneye, and 66 Buffleheads. I have never seen that many Buffies in one place in the county before.
Nieman Pond in Stephenson County had 9 Tundra Swans, 18 N. Shovelers, and 150 Mallards.
A pair of adult Sandhill Cranes with 1 juvenile were in the Ridott area. Based on their location and my observation of a pair in that area this spring, I believe that this pair successfully nested there.