We haven't completely abandoned Madison County birds this month. The Great Blue Heron was found standing on flotsam in the middle of Killbuck Creek while it was in flood. Notice the breeding plumage developing on the lower part of its neck, a reminder that spring is coming.
Four Northern Shovelers have stayed the winter in the Killbuck Wetlands. This is the first time we've observed Shovelers staying the winter. The two on left are mature adults in breeding plumage, with the male at top and the female below. The other two are not in breeding plumage and may be first winter birds. The female is above and the male below, on the right.
A closer shot of the mature pair shows the rich green, brown, and white colors of the male.
The immature pair is less colorful. Notice how the male's bill is still changing from orange to black. These birds are named for their long, broad bill with which they strain food from mud on the bottom of ponds and lakes.
Winter visitors to Indiana, American Coots, breed further north in the summer. They winter as far south as Mexico and Florida where we saw many.
