[obol] Ankeny NWR: Barn Swallow, reptilian lunch, etc.

[uyedaj at science.oregonstate.edu]

I had a couple of hours to bird Ankeny NWR with my lousy backup binoculars
today. At one of the pullouts I found an AMERICAN KESTREL (not remarkable).
However, what is remarkable is that it appeared to be eating either an
Alligator Lizard or a small snake (definitely a reptile); given the high temps
for today were around 35-40 degrees farenheit, it was amazing it could find an
active reptile.
I observed a BARN SWALLOW at the Eagle Marsh viewing blind, as well as what
appears to be a domestic escaped TURKEY that's been hanging around there for a
while now. Lots of Gulls in the distance, too far to identify, usual waterfowl,
lots of CANVASBACK, NORTHERN PINTAIL, DUNLIN, TUNDRA SWANS etc.
Good, cold and windy birding,
Josef Uyeda