Buttertubs Marsh.

Out at Buttertubs today in light rain and 8 degrees. My walk started at the south parking lot and I headed down the trail along the row of Oak trees. My first sighting was a flock of 100+ Canada Geese on the water along with a few American Wigeon. Further down the trail a nice Great Blue Heron was feeding on the edge with views of Mallard, Ring-necked ducks and Pied-billed Grebe. On the east side trail the Black Hawthorn are still covered in berries which attracted American Robin, Red-winged Blackbirds and the ever present Spotted Towhee's. A Anna's Hummingbird flashed by over my head and Steller's Jays were noisily foraging close by the homes on Bird Sanctuary Drive that back on to the marsh, six European Collared Doves were perched on power lines on the street. A few American Coots were feeding in the water with Wood Duck and a pair of Hooded Merganser's close by. The highlight of my walk was in a Alder beside the south side trail, a Barred Owl. I never carry my camera in the rain but fortunately I didn't have to walk far, back to my vehicle, to grab my camera and get off a few shots of the owl.