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The Daily Bucket - February 1st, a winter day in Mississippi [1]

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Date: 2023-02-04  

Dismal weather was the 5 day forecast beginning on Sunday Jan. 29th. That meant I’d need an extra pair of socks and a hat when I decided to go out Wednesday morning. My destination was the Wildlife Refuge at Sardis Lake. Here is a satellite view (mostly) of the 4000 acre area.

I parked at the maintenance barn and walked the 1 /2 mile to the shallow water retention area (as seen above). I found a few things that were expected and some that were pleasantly surprising.

I could hear the waterfowl noises before they were in sight. Canada and White-fronted geese were chatting as the Mallards, Green-winged Teal, Wood Ducks and Hooded Mergansers shuffled or dabbled for their breakfast. I knew my camera would not reach the distance and my binoculars barely helped because of the dreary weather. But, I had to risk getting the Harrier on film as it buzzed me to begin it’s strafing run across the levee.

There was a brief flutter from the birds on the water and behind me. Birds were in the air with verbal complaints.

The closest group landed in a tree nearby (see #1 on my map). This was what I was able to photograph before the group flitted away.

A small flock of Eastern Meadowlark

I enlarged the male in the middle of the shot after I got home. It was only good for identification but I was happy to have seen the family unit.

I moved slower as I walked expecting more birds to emerge. I was gifted (at point #2 on my map) with Goldfinch. The group of about twenty was busy feeding on seeds.

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[1] Url: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/2/4/2150615/-The-Daily-Bucket-February-1st-a-winter-day-in-Mississippi

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