[obol] between squalls at Fern Ridge

[Ellen Cantor]

Mid to late morning today at the Royal Ave end of Fern Ridge, I first joined
a splinter group of the Wed morning birders.  Fred Downey called our
attention to great views of a PEREGRINE FALCON flying across the refuge to
our east.  When a squall approached, they wisely returned to their cars, but
I, perhaps goaded on by my raingear, kept heading west.  Before the first
squall hit, I watched an AMERICAN BITTERN fly across the mudflats north of
Royal.  On my way out to the true end of Royal (where the water meets the
road), I saw a RED-TAILED HAWK looking very bedraggled while hunkered down
in a snag during a heavy squall.  At the end of Royal, I got a respite from
the rain and had a great time watching a VIRGINIA RAIL and 2 SORAS feeding
in the shallow water, then dashing into the reeds and out again.  The Rail
looked as if it was gobbling down snails.  On my way back, I saw a flock of
at least 30 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS in the marsh to the north, among the
DOWITCHERS, near a group of WHITE-FRONTED GEESE.  At times,  was even
treated to some sun breaks!
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